Cultural understanding and appreciation of diversity should be promoted from kindergarten and primary school levels to strengthen social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in Fiji.
This was highlighted by Senior Pastor of Faith Harvest Church Reverend Manasa Kolivuso during discussions on the National Social Cohesion Framework.
Kolivuso says schools could introduce activities such as oratory competitions where iTaukei students speak in Hindi and Indo-Fijian students speak in iTaukei language.
He says this would encourage students to understand each other's cultures and develop a stronger appreciation of the country's diversity from a young age.
Reverend Kolivuso says Fiji is rich in its multicultural and multiracial identity, and people must embrace this diversity to help address conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
He also shared his personal experience of growing up among Indo-Fijian communities, saying he can understand some Hindi but regrets not learning the language at school.
Reverend Kolivuso says much of his understanding of the culture came from living among Indian people, while his mother also taught him how to cook curry, which remains his favourite dish to prepare.
He says if younger generations lose this understanding of Fiji's diversity, it would be difficult to rebuild that appreciation.
Reverend Kolivuso says introducing cultural learning at kindergarten and primary school levels would be a positive way forward in strengthening social cohesion.
