A delegation from Ratu Kadavulevu School presented a traditional apology to teachers and students of Lelean Memorial School for an incident that occurred last Friday after the semi-finals of the Eastern Zone Secondary School Vodafone Deans at Dawasamu in Tailevu.
The principals of the two schools, students, teachers, Ministry of Education officials, Eastern and Southern Zone administrators and a representative from the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union were present at the traditional event.
While presenting the matanigasau on behalf of RKS, Alivereti Korovulavula hoped that it will heal the hurt suffered by those who got injured during the stoning incident.
Students of both schools were reminded to leave the incident and any hate whatsoever in the past as they start their relationship on a clean slate.
MOE representative Josefa Gavidi reiterated the advice of Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro during his meeting with the school principals and zone delegates on Monday.
“While we acknowledge the two schools for taking this essential step, we also want to reiterate the heart of our discussion which was the safety and welfare of our students,” he said.
“In any sport whatsoever, that sees the involvement of schools, the priority should be the safety and welfare of the students before, during and after the games. Before the MOE permanent secretary gives the approval for a competition to be held, the core agreement is based around a student’s safety and welfare. This agreement is then given to the FSSRU and that trickles down to the respective participating zones.”
Gavidi said teachers must ensure that every student, whether a player or spectator that is on the ground during game day, must return home safely and unharmed.
He also pointed out the key role that students play in these situations.
“When you register to be part of a school, you’re identified as a student regardless if you’re above 18 or in vocational studies. You’re carrying the image of not just the school but your family as well,” Gavidi said.
The principals of RKS and LMS as well as Eastern Zone president Solomone Seru have given their reassurance that such incidents will not happen again.
