New generator for students of Viwa District School

Having no power to study during times of natural disasters will be a thing of the past for students of Viwa District School after the Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation handed over a new generator and other supplies to the school.

The donated items also included a solar lamp, water filters, sanitary pads, straw mats, wheelchairs and library books.

Head Teacher of Viwa District School, Jimione Vuetaki says this generator will allow for full continuity of operations such as photocopying and studying during power outages especially in times of disasters.

He says the generator will also be used as a backup during a natural disaster and will most definitely assist the school, community members and women's group in their income generation projects.

Vuetaki adds the main revenue source for villagers is the sale of root crops, handicraft products, fish and other seafood products at the Lautoka Market for which they pay $350 (return) for the boat fare.

Manager of Viwa District School Iliesa Sukaloa says every child in the Viwa community deserves to have an equal opportunity to access education and these donations will help increase access to education.

Sakuloa also thanked the Government of the day for the reconstruction of the classroom, dormitories and teacher’s quarters that were destroyed during Tropical Cyclone Winston.

While handing over the items, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar says the Government will be 'Leaving No One Behind and Reaching the Furthest Behind First' in delivering its services.

She says the donation shows the continued commitment of the Government towards education, village development and the empowerment of women.

Akbar also urge village members to take ownership of the generator set, which would now be maintained by the School Manager and the community members.

The Minister highlighted that access to basic utilities like electricity remains the main focus for the Fijian Government in efforts to ensure that our rural communities are not left behind in terms of development opportunities.

The donated items were given to the Ministry by the All China Women’s Federation late last year and will assist over 250 members of Viwa community and 56 students of Viwa District School.