Villagers on Matuku Island in Lau have successfully raised nearly $300,000 to launch the Matuku Secondary School, marking a significant step forward for local educational development. This fundraising initiative was part of the annual Matuku Day celebrations held at Yaroi Village, coinciding with Fiji Day, and was themed “Education at Matuku’s Progress.”
Jiujiua Tikoilakeba from Matuku USA praised the international community for its support, highlighting that the project transcends just financial contributions; it symbolizes the strength of collective effort in driving development.
Naisa Tuinaceva, the Assistant Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, who hails from Lomati Village on Matuku, commended the villagers for their determination and forward-thinking. He pointed to the community spirit exemplified by the concept of solesolevaki, denoting cooperation in rural settings, and noted the proactive steps being taken by the villagers to shape their own future without depending solely on external assistance.
The construction of the secondary school, which will include accommodations for teachers, aims to reduce rural-urban migration by allowing local children to continue living with their families while they study. Tuinaceva underscored this development as a foundational move against wider societal challenges and a means to strengthen family units.
Ratu Lorima Niumataiwalu, the Turaga na Tui Matuku, reflected on the long history of efforts to establish a secondary school on the island, a journey that began in 1967 but faced various obstacles. He expressed gratitude to the community for coming together to turn a long-cherished dream into reality and acknowledged a traditional matanigasau, or apology, for financial mismanagement that had previously hindered the project.
“This day marks not only the realization of a vision but promises greater opportunities for our island ahead,” Ratu Lorima stated.
This commitment to enhancing education in Matuku aligns with broader efforts across Fiji to expand academic opportunities for the youth. In the Macuata region, twelve districts have united to raise $360,000 aimed at improving education, especially in response to disappointing recent Fiji Eighth Year Examination results where many students failed to pass. These grassroots efforts underscore a collective determination to shape brighter futures through education.
The enthusiasm and cooperation among the communities in Matuku and beyond reflect a promising path forward, showcasing how unified efforts can lead to meaningful educational advancements for the younger generation.