On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the Hon. Aseri Radrodro, the Minister of Education, paid visits to four elementary schools and one high school in Rotuma.

The entourage, which included the Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Clair McNamara, the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms. Selina Kuruleca, and other Ministry of Education representatives, gave out textbooks and various stationery to the schools.

Hon. Radrodro commended the teachers on the isolated island for their commitment during his visit.

The Minister of Education, Hon. Radrodro, remarked, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, teachers, for your continued effort and commitment to the call of duty given to you.”

“I understand that you must miss life in the Fijian mainland, but it is admirable that you have made the effort to stay here and do your job well. You work in a genuinely honorable job.”

The Minister emphasized that a teacher’s work reflects a child’s capacity for learning, but she also emphasized that parents and teachers share responsibilities.

“Parents and guardians are equally accountable for the upbringing of their children, not just educators. As they say, raising a child requires the support of an entire town or community. According to Hon. Radrodro, “the presence of parents in every school we visited demonstrates the commitment that everyone has to the children.”

Additionally, Minister Radrodro thanked the Australian government for making it possible for him to visit Rotuma.

“I’m hoping that this will be the first of many trips to Rotuma to make sure that the needs of the teachers, administrators, and school are met. Our goal is to upgrade the school’s infrastructure and amenities so that both present and future learners will be more equipped to contribute to Fiji as citizens.

A Talanoa session at Malha’a District School with every teacher on the island marked the end of the visit.

The minister and his group also took tours of Ahau’s new Rotuma Hospital and Oinafa Jetty. The group flew to Rotuma on a Royal Australian Air Force C-27 Spartan, which is presently patrolling the nation.

Malha’a Primary School, Paptea Primary School, Motusa District School, Christ the King Primary School, and Rotuma High School are the five schools in Rotuma.