Kindergarten classrooms are vibrant environments filled with laughter and spontaneous moments, as exemplified by Miriama Dravikula, a devoted teacher at Delaivula Kindergarten in Nadroga. Each day, she welcomes children into her classroom, embracing their innocence and trust, demonstrating a profound love for nurturing young minds.
As a mother of three, Ms. Dravikula naturally brings high energy and patience to her role. Her early experiences as the eldest daughter of a pastor, constantly moving due to her parents’ commitments as Salvation Army officers, instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and adaptability. “We moved around a lot while I was growing up, attending many different schools, which cultivated my ability to adjust to new communities and challenges,” she shared.
Teaching was not initially in her plans. She began her journey in education at the age of 16 as a Sunday school teacher. This role, which emerged from a desire to help others rather than an ambition to teach, set the foundation for her future career. It was encouragement from an aunt that led her to pursue a path as a kindergarten teacher, transforming a mere suggestion into her life’s purpose.
Now into her ninth year of teaching, Ms. Dravikula has gleaned invaluable experiences. After five years in a private school, she joined the Ministry of Education in 2021, choosing to work in rural communities instead of urban centers. This shift, she explains, was driven by a desire to connect with children in less populated areas.
Teaching young children comes with its challenges and rewards. “Every day is different, full of excitement but also heartache sometimes,” she noted, reflecting on the diverse backgrounds of her students. She recognizes the distinct dynamics between rural and urban classrooms, noting that rural children tend to demonstrate deep respect and eagerness to learn, while their urban counterparts are often more assertive and shaped by digital influences.
Adjusting to the Nadroga dialect has posed a challenge for Ms. Dravikula, as she strives to communicate effectively with her students who speak in their local language. Nevertheless, she views this profession as a calling. “Seeing children grow from not knowing how to hold a pen to writing their names is a significant victory for us teachers,” she remarked.
Ms. Dravikula finds that her students have taught her vital lessons in kindness, patience, and the importance of taking things one step at a time. Her faith plays a critical role, especially during challenging moments. “If you won’t do it, then who will?” she reminds herself, emphasizing the importance of her work in shaping the lives of young learners. She envisions her students as future contributors who will be positive influences in their families and communities, underscoring the deep impact educators have on society.