More than 100 attendees ventured out in the rain to enjoy the festivities of the Samabula Carnival, reported on October 5, 1992. The event, hosted at Samabula Primary School in Suva, culminated with the crowning of Vandhana Dhana Nair as Miss Charity. The seventh-grade student made an impressive contribution, raising $10,971.50, part of the carnival’s total haul of $38,672.96.
At just 12 years old, Vandhana expressed her anticipation for an upcoming trip to New Zealand, which she earned along with $500 in spending money. She extended gratitude to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ganga Dharan Nair, as well as her friends and teachers, for their vital support.
Following her, the first runner-up, Sheronita Shoma Charan, representing Class Eight, raised $9,407.79 and received a round-trip ticket to Labasa along with $200. The second runner-up, Shabana Fazeelat Sahu Khan from Class Six, garnered $5,316.61, earning a trip to Levuka and $200. The third runner-up, Veebha Chauhan from Class Three, raised $4,235.06, receiving a night for two at the Sheraton Hotel plus $200.
Mr. Krishna, the head teacher of SPS, praised the carnival, calling it “excellent” and highlighting the tremendous support from the Samabula community. He noted the enthusiastic participation of students, who each entered contestants from classes one to eight in the charity queen contest, reflecting a strong sense of community involvement.
The carnival aimed to gather $50,000, and while the funds raised from various stalls were still being counted, a representative indicated that the amount from the charity queen contest was a significant step toward the goal. The proceeds are earmarked for the repair and refurbishment of the school, promising improvements for the students’ learning environment.
After the crowning ceremony, the attendees enjoyed an array of multicultural festivities, showcasing dances from Tahitian, Fijian, and Indian cultures, alongside various entertainment components such as a baby show, helicopter rescue demonstrations, and a pet show, including trained police dogs.
This positive community event not only fostered engagement among participants but also highlighted the potential of local initiatives to support important causes. The carnival exemplified the collaborative spirit of the Samabula community, proving that determination and teamwork can lead to profound impacts.