Navitilevu District School students get new walkway and school get repair works through BSP assistance

The students of Navitilevu District School now have a new sheltered walkway while the school has been given an uplift through assistance from BSP Rakiraki, Tavua and Ba branch staff

BSP says the staff collectively funded the project to support the boarding school students as part of their community project.

They say the school relies on the support of parents and the community, who provide catering and transport for children on weekends who often have to brave strong ocean currents on fibreglass boats.

The project included the construction of a 74 metres sheltered walkway connecting the dormitories to the main school complex, the installation of solar lights for the walkway, painting of dormitories and the installation of wash basins to bolster the school’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program.

BSP General Manager Retail Ravindra Singh says they recognise the challenges young boarders face, away from their families and by providing this assistance they aim to enhance their learning experience and contribute to the schools overall success.

Singh further says BSP staff went above and beyond their roles by volunteering their time and effort as part of their sweat equity contribution and invested hours to embark on multiple boat trips to reach the isolated school and successfully complete the project.

He says after making the crossing to the school, it made him realise the immense challenges faced when trying to get to the school for which he takes his hat off to staff and suppliers who made several trips themselves, sometimes having to get off boats further out at sea (low tide) and wading through shallow waters filled with coral and marine life.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Advisor for Ra Luke Serubasaga expressed his gratitude to the BSP team for the investment in edcation.

Serubasaga says the school community takes ownership of their new resources and ensures its longevity, as it promises to have a lasting impact on the school and its students.

The Navitilevu District School comprises four composite classrooms and a kindergarten, serving students from the surrounding villages of Navuniivi, Nayauvira, Veidrala and Nasau which have a combined approximate population of 1000 residents.