Address to the Students and Teachers of Class 4 Students from Nauru
September 30, 2019 State House Conservatory, Suva
The Class Teacher, Ms. Mere Waqanidrola;
Boys and Girls, Members of the Class Four (4) of Nauru Primary School
Parents, teachers and friends of Nauru Primary School.
Good morning, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka and Omo Yoran to you all.
WELCOME
Good morning students, teachers and friends from Nauru Primary School. On behalf of government and the people of Fiji, my wife Sarote (who is currently abroad), I welcome you all to the State House and to Fiji.
I am indeed happy to receive and to meet you after travelling afar from the land also known as the Pleasant Island for obvious reasons.
PURPOSE OF VISIT
I have been well informed that this visit to the State House is part of your nine (9) days trip to Fiji, as part of your Social Studies subject studying Viti Levu being a volcanic island with much impact on vegetation, fauna, marine life and way of living.
I hope your visit to Fiji and the State House will inspire your minds to work hard in school and become better and productive citizens for your great country.
EDUCATION
Boys and Girls, travelling to Fiji to learn and study more about its development, way of living and relations we share as Pacific neighbours and peoples is a positive indication that education in the Pacific is progressive and interdependent.
During my school days, we only learn about a country/place by either reading it in a book or by listening to our teachers.
Nowadays, being the 21st Century, you young people can easily access the same information through smartphones, internet, social media platforms and televisions. Nevertheless, I admire and appreciate the commitments of your teachers and parents for organizing such visit which will enable you to learn new things and visit new places outside of your beautiful Island Nation at a very young age, so, make use of your time here to learn as much as you can and make a difference when you return home.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
In conclusion, I wish to share with you all that education and hard work is a key to success in one’s life and when used correctly it will surely lead you to a better and brighter future.
Now, I would like to also give you some grandfatherly advice: pay attention and be obedient both at home and in school, respect your elders, and read as many books as you can to help you develop your knowledge base and understanding of world issues.
In my other roles as Lead Advocate and Champion for the Fight Against Non Communicable Diseases, I would like to encourage you boys and girls, teachers and parents to always live a healthy and fit lifestyle by eating healthy/nutritious food and having daily exercises.
On that note, I wish you all a safe and successful time here in Fiji.
May Almighty God Bless you all, your respective families, and our beloved Nations – Fiji and Nauru!
Thank you, Vinaka vakalevu and Tubwar Kor.