15 December, 2025, 7:09 am Central - 23°C Rain

Zephaniah scoops awards for most improved student in literacy and numeracy

Zephaniah scoops awards for most improved student in literacy and numeracy

By Mikaele Liga
01/12/2023
Zephaniah Lal with his aunt, Vanessa Stewart

8 year old Zephaniah Lal could not contain his excitement and emotions after he graduated from Pioneer Education for Fiji today.

Zephaniah scooped awards for most improved student in literacy and numeracy for this year.

His aunt, Vanessa Stewart says it has been a roller coaster of a ride for Zephaniah in terms of his academic journey, and it takes a lot of patience and kindness to nurture kids with autism like Zephaniah.

Zephaniah is the son of the late former FM96 and LegendFM radio personality, Marie Stewart.

The Director for Pioneer Education for Fiji, Malisha Chand says 14 students graduated today, and 6 students are autistic.

She says sadly, there is a lack of awareness for autistic students in our community and they are working with other stakeholders on creating more awareness for these children with special needs.

When questioned by fijivillage News on the various schools these children with special needs will go to from here, Chand says they have moulded the students well to tackle what they will face in their schools, and she is hoping that teachers will upgrade their qualifications to include dealing with children in the special needs field.

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