Fiji National Youth Band trainer Lorenzo Fonmoa was lost for words as he thanked Chinese ambassador Zhou Jian for musical instruments given to the band last month.
Estimated to cost $70,000, the instruments were given by Guangzhou City to the Valelevu Youth Training Centre.
Mr Fonmoa, a music theory and brass band trainer, said it was every teacher’s dream that their students be provided the necessary equipment to help them perfect their skills and knowledge.
“This equipment will be used to train, educate and develop the youths of today and tomorrow,” Mr Fonmoa said.
“Christmas came early for me, for us at the Youth Training Centre. I am very happy today.
“There were times when our students here had to share one instrument between eight people. Today, I can say that when we go to class, every child has an instrument.”
Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru said the instruments not only showed the commitment China had towards empowering our youths “but also demonstrates the strong bilateral relationship between our two nations”.
“As we receive these instruments today, let us remember the important role that music plays in the lives of our youths. It is a universal language that bridges cultures and brings people together,” he said.
Guangzhou Municipal Committee secretary Guo Yonghang said it was their aspiration that Guangzhou and Fiji take music as a medium to promote mutual understanding and play a new chapter of friendly cooperation and win-win progress.
