Despite the rain, over 100 participants gathered to celebrate the vibrant Samabula Carnival at Samabula Primary School in Suva, as reported on October 5, 1992. The event concluded with the crowning of Vandhana Dhana Nair as Miss Charity, a seventh-grade student who raised an impressive $10,971.50. This contribution played a key role in the carnival’s total fundraising of $38,672.96.
At only 12 years old, Vandhana expressed her excitement for an upcoming trip to New Zealand, a reward she earned along with $500 in spending money. She graciously acknowledged the support of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ganga Dharan Nair, along with her friends and teachers.
The carnival also honored other participants, including first runner-up Sheronita Shoma Charan, who raised $9,407.79 and received a round-trip ticket to Labasa with an additional $200. The second runner-up, Shabana Fazeelat Sahu Khan from Class Six, raised $5,316.61, earning a trip to Levuka and $200. Additionally, third runner-up Veebha Chauhan from Class Three raised $4,235.06, earning a night for two at the Sheraton Hotel along with $200.
Mr. Krishna, head teacher at Samabula Primary School, praised the carnival as “excellent” and commended the robust support from the community. He highlighted the enthusiastic participation of students who proudly entered contestants from each class, demonstrating a strong spirit of community involvement.
While the carnival aimed to raise $50,000, a representative mentioned that the amount collected from the various food stalls was still being tallied. However, the contributions from the charity queen contest represented a substantial step toward reaching their fundraising goal. The proceeds are intended for critical repairs and improvements to the school, which promise to enhance the educational environment for students.
Following the crowning, festival-goers were treated to a variety of multicultural festivities that included dances from Tahitian, Fijian, and Indian cultures, as well as engaging activities like a baby show, helicopter rescue demonstrations, and a pet show featuring trained police dogs.
This spirited community event showcased not only the talent and creativity of the participants but also demonstrated the power of local initiatives to drive meaningful change. The success of the Samabula Carnival is a testament to the collaborative effort of the Samabula community, highlighting how teamwork and determination can lead to positive outcomes for a common cause.