Sometimes we need a reality check to appreciate how people are living around us. It offers us a glimpse into their lives, and how they cope with major challenges.
There are stories that can be overwhelming, and at times, overpowering. Sometimes we are dragged into an emotional rollercoaster ride, and left wondering how is it that people can handle such obstacles, and do that daily? It can be inspiring to a certain extent, and sometimes sad.
learn that students of Nakavika Village in Macuata, Vanua Levu, can be absent from school for up two months in a year, due to the flooding of a river they have to cross.
Village headman Pio Dulenivosa made a point that during cyclones and rainy days, children would remain at home for at least a week. When you add the days in a year, he noted, their children can rake up to two months, sometimes, staying at home because there is a flood.
currents, he said, were a major concern.
“It has not been easy for all students who grow up in this village. In fact, parents and village elders have always made it a rule that students never cross the river when it’s flooded because their lives are more precious.”
To drive through his point, when school started for the primary schools this week, some children stayed home for three days. Students who attended school on Monday had crossed the river after school during heavy downpour.
Because of the floodwaters, they were not expected to return to school until today, and if the situation does not improve next week, they may be forced to stay home
“When it floods, parents and youths stand on both sides of the river and use big pots to transport children across using ropes which are tied to the pots,” he said.
“When they cross the river they are cold so sometimes they get sick in school.”
This is a story that cuts through every imaginary demarcation line. It touches the very heart of children who want to go to school, and their parents who want them to be educated. Such stories will move hearts and minds, and hopefully empower us to embrace the little good things we have. For in this story sits perseverance, dedication and resilience.
But there is danger as well and fortunately, as expected, the lives of children are placed on a very high pedestal by their parents and guardians.
That’s the way it should be. In saying that, we are reminded about our roles as parents and guardians when it comes to the education of our children. We are reminded about commitment and dedication, and motivation to do the right thing.
urge stakeholders and the powers that be to discuss possible action moving forward, to provide these children a safe passage to school daily. And lest we forget, we are still fighting COVID-19.
Let’s adhere to every safety advice and stay well, and stay safe.
