A historic step toward strengthening Fiji’s cultural and linguistic heritage was taken today as the University of Fiji held the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Centre for iTaukei and Hindi Studies at the Saweni Campus in Lautoka.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka says the ceremony symbolised more than the construction of a new facility.
He says today, we turn soil not merely to build a structure, but to reaffirm something deeper, that our languages, cultures, and identities are the soul of our nation .
Gavoka says the new Centre will preserve and elevate the iTaukei and Hindi languages, promote research on culture and identity, support teacher training, and create a space where language and culture are lived and experienced.
The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledges the Coalition Government’s historic $1 million capital grant that made the new Centre possible.
He says the funding reflects the government’s commitment to preserving national languages and ensuring inclusive, culturally grounded development.
In closing, he urged Fijians to see language and culture as sources of innovation and national strength.
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