Students and staff at St. Vincent College and Primary School in Natovi have received a welcome boost to their agricultural and kitchen operations with the handover of a new tractor trailer and five brushcutters from the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.

The equipment, valued at over $11,000, was provided under the Ministry’s Rural Outer Island (ROI) Development Programme, aimed at improving infrastructure and services in remote communities.

The new additions are expected to significantly ease the physical workload of students, who for months had been collecting firewood from nearby forests on foot to fuel their hostel kitchen.

The equipment was officially handed over by Minister Sakiasi R. Ditoka during a visit to the school. Parish Priest and school manager, Father Filimoni Vosabalavu, expressed his appreciation for the timely support, saying the trailer will greatly enhance the students’ ability to manage their time and energy.

“This was one of the biggest challenges they faced. Carrying firewood from the forest is no longer necessary, and that time can now be redirected to other meaningful activities,” he said.

“We are truly grateful to the Government for this generous support.”

The trailer will be used not only for transporting firewood but also for moving farming tools, fertilizers, and harvested crops making day-to-day operations at the school far more efficient.

The five new brushcutters will assist with maintaining the school grounds, helping to keep the environment clean and safe for learning.

This support is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening rural communities through practical, needs-based interventions.