Salutation
- The Head Teacher of Draiba Primary School, Mr. Jolame Delai,
- Na Lesilesi Ni Bose Ko Viti – Talatala ni Tabakacaka ko Muanikau,
- Distinguished Guests and Government Officials,
- Representatives of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Engineers,
- Management, Teachers and Staff of Draiba Primary School,
- Parents, Guardians and former Scholars, and
- My dear young boys and girls, students of Draiba Fijian School.
Ni Sa Bula Vina’a and a very good afternoon to you all.
Let me first begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, ki Nadonumai vua na Gone Turaga na Tui Suva and I pay my respects to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and I acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua, We are grateful for their custodianship, which allows us to convene for this important occasion and celebrate this important national milestone.
Partnership with the Community
- It is indeed an honour and privilege to join you this afternoon for the official commissioning and handover of this new multi-purpose facility for Draiba Primary School.
- This project, valued at $58,048.66, has been funded through the Office of the Prime Minister’s 2025–2026 Development Grant Programme, complemented by a generous contribution of $16,000 from the School Management, parents and former scholars.
- This partnership is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when Government and communities work together with a shared purpose. It reflects the spirit of solesolevaki and our collective commitment to investing in our children—the greatest asset of our nation.
- Today’s commissioning also reaffirms Government’s commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of whether they live in urban, rural or maritime Fiji, has access to safe, modern and quality learning environments that support their full potential.
A Legacy of Leadership
- Draiba Primary School occupies a special place in Fiji’s history.
- Established in the early 1900s through the foresight of the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, the school stands as a lasting reminder that education has always been central to nation-building and the advancement of our people.
- Over the years, these classrooms have nurtured distinguished national leaders, including the late former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and former President Major-General Jioji Konrote.
- Their achievements remind every child gathered here today that greatness is not determined by where you come from, but by the values you uphold, the education you receive and the determination you carry throughout life.
- This new facility therefore represents far more than additional infrastructure. It represents renewed opportunities for every student to learn, develop, lead and contribute meaningfully to Fiji’s future.
Building Human Capital for Fiji’s Future
- With an enrolment of 704 students, comprising 375 boys and 329 girls, this facility will provide a safe and vibrant space for assemblies, sporting activities, cultural programmes, awareness campaigns and a wide range of educational and community events throughout the year.
- However, buildings alone do not transform nations. They become transformational when they enable children to acquire knowledge, develop character, strengthen leadership, embrace innovation and pursue excellence.
- Our greatest national resource is not found beneath our land or within our oceans—it is found in our people.
- Every investment we make in education is therefore an investment in Fiji’s future productivity, competitiveness and prosperity.
- Quality schools develop the teachers, nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs, farmers, scientists, civil servants, members of our disciplined forces, community and national leaders who will shape our nation’s future.
- As Fiji pursues its Vision 2050 aspiration of achieving sustained economic growth and attaining high-income status, investments in education infrastructure remain among the most important investments Government can make.
- Every classroom, library, sports facility and learning space contributes towards developing a healthier, more productive, innovative and resilient workforce capable of driving long-term national development.
Preparing Young Fijians for Tomorrow
- The Education Act 2025 provides schools with greater opportunities to strengthen infrastructure and improve access to quality learning resources through approved school development initiatives.
- Together with investments such as this facility, these reforms support Government’s broader objective of creating learning environments that prepare our young people for an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven world.
- The classrooms of today must prepare our children for careers and opportunities that may not yet exist.
- They must develop digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity, entrepreneurship, leadership and lifelong learning so that our young people are equipped to thrive in the rapidly evolving global economy.
- Education is no longer simply about preparing students for employment; it is about preparing them to become innovators, problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and future job creators.
Supporting National Development
- Government’s National Development Plan and Vision 2050 recognise that sustained economic growth depends on developing our human capital.
- To achieve our national aspiration of sustained 6 percent economic growth, we must ensure that no child and no community is left behind.
- The 2023–2024 Employment and Unemployment Survey identified approximately 29,056 young Fijians who were not engaged in education, employment or training.
- This serves as a timely reminder that investing in schools is not merely an educational priority—it is an economic and developmental necessity.
- Every improvement we make within our schools strengthens the pathway from education to employment, entrepreneurship and productive participation within our economy.
- The true measure of this facility’s success will not be the building itself, but the lives it transforms over many generations.
Education, Security and the Ocean of Peace
- Under Fiji’s Ocean of Peace initiative, we recognise that lasting peace and security begin long before challenges emerge.
- They begin in our homes, within our communities and, importantly, in our schools.
- Every investment we make in education is also an investment in national security.
- Children who are educated, supported and provided with opportunities are less vulnerable to crime, violence, drugs and exploitation.
- Strong schools build stronger families, stronger communities and ultimately a stronger and more secure Fiji.
- Facilities such as this also strengthen our resilience by providing safe environments that can support communities during times of natural disasters while ensuring learning continues despite the growing impacts of climate change.
- As we confront increasing concerns relating to illicit drugs, HIV infections and other emerging social challenges, quality education remains one of our strongest national responses.
- Schools nurture discipline, integrity, respect, compassion and responsible citizenship—values that strengthen social cohesion and unite our people across every community.
A Shared Responsibility
- As we officially hand over this facility today, let us remember that Government may provide the infrastructure, but it is communities who bring these facilities to life through partnership, stewardship and shared responsibility.
- I extend my sincere appreciation to the School Management, parents, teachers, former scholars, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Engineers and everyone whose dedication and commitment have made this project possible.
- Your efforts demonstrate the true meaning of solesolevaki.
- To our parents and teachers, continue to inspire, guide and nurture these young minds.
- To our children, this facility now belongs to you. Take pride in it. Respect it. Protect it. Use it wisely.
- May it inspire each of you to dream boldly, work diligently and become responsible citizens who will lead Fiji with integrity, compassion and excellence.
- May this facility stand for many generations as a symbol of opportunity, resilience, unity and hope.
- May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our beloved Fiji.
[END]
