Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Premila Kumar attended the 90th-anniversary celebrations and launched their commemorative magazine at Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm School last Friday (18/11/22).

The school that was initially established to provide education to the children of Girmityas from the nearby communities now caters to the educational needs of a vibrant and diverse group of pupils.

She acknowledged the hard work and morals of the current and previous teachers and Heads of Schools who have worked tirelessly to get the school where it is today as well as the previous and current management of the school for managing the school well.

Minister Kumar also said that the school is a testament to how one can preserve one’s heritage without excluding others.

“The frequent religious sessions and functions that are held here, show the value you place on your religion and culture, in practising your faith. At the same time, no matter their backgrounds, all students are welcome to attend, so they can learn and appreciate the wonderful diversity that is a hallmark of our nation.”

She reminded Fijians at the celebration that in the past education in Fiji did not have the kind of support that is provided now by the Government, through initiatives such as the Free Education Grant, transport assistance and free textbooks.

“During those times, it was the members of this community who made sure this school was funded. The blood, sweat and tears of the entire community, including the hard-working farmers whose income was solely based on vegetable and sugar-cane cultivation, all prioritised education for their children, because they knew how important it was,” she added.

Minister Kumar highlighted that the Fijian Government’s investment in the future of their children through the Free Education Grant, provision of transportation assistance and free textbooks ensures that the financial burden many Fijian households used to face has been taken away.

“Tertiary Scholarship and Loans provisions are also making tertiary education dreams a reality for you and your children,” stated the Education Minister.

She also emphasised that TVET is not a second-class education and that the professionals produced through its study programmes are important for our progress as any nation.

“We need mechanics. We need plumbers, electricians, chefs, tile layers, welders, and joiners as much as we need doctors, nurses, teachers and engineers in Fiji. These are important skills and they deserve recognition and respect.”

“Keeping this in mind, we have introduced a new scholarship scheme, known as Micro-Skills Qualification, at FNU. This programme will help those who have learnt trade work without any qualification after dropping out of school,” informed Minister Kumar.

The Education Minister said that the Government has been investing significant funds in education.

“Each year we invest about $700m in education, which is close to 20% of our total annual budget. For a small island nation, this is a significant investment.”

Minister Kumar acknowledged the parents and guardians of the institution who worked hand in hand with the management and staff to improve academic performance as well as foster the moral development of their precious children.

She urged the students to think about all the hard work and effort that has been put in by their parents, grandparents, and members of the community both in the past and present to ensure that they can receive a quality education.

“Please appreciate what has been done for you by also working hard and being diligent with your studies – make sure that all these efforts were not in vain.”

The Minister for Education thanked the ex-scholars of Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharm School for their instrumental role in bringing about progress and development in the lives of the students and the college as a whole and wished the current management, teachers and students all the very best for the years to come.