Leadership is not about titles or privileges — it is about service, responsibility, and leading by example.
This is the message by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, to the newly inducted prefects of Drasa Secondary School in Lautoka.
He congratulated the students who have been selected as prefects and said that their selection is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the trust that their teachers and peers have placed in them.
Professor Prasad says as they wear their badges with pride today, remember that they have been chosen not for personal recognition, but because their school believes in their ability to inspire and guide their fellow students.
He says true leadership is about integrity — doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
He adds it is about treating others with respect and dignity and fostering a spirit of unity and inclusivity in their school.
The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed the serious issue of the rise in drug-related cases in Fiji, saying that drugs destroy lives, break families, and have no place in our schools or society.
He says the Coalition Government is deeply committed to investing in education because they believe that education is the key to a brighter future.
He further says in the 2024-2025 National Budget, they have allocated close to $630 million for education.
The Deputy Prime Minister says when they came into Government, they removed the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) and replaced it with fully funded scholarships.
He adds this means that when students complete their secondary education and move on to tertiary studies, they will not have to worry about taking on student debt.
He further adds everything is taken care of — students simply need to focus on working hard and making the most of these opportunities.
