VILLAGERS of Matuku Island in Lau raised almost $300,000 for the proposed Matuku Secondary School.
The villagers travelled from around the world and gathered at Yaroi Village, Matuku, on Fiji Day for the annual Matuku Day event with its theme, “Education at Matuku’s Progress”.
Matuku USA representative Jiujiua Tikoilakeba praised the collective efforts recognising the international community’s unwavering support.
He reiterated the importance of this initiative, not only in funding but in fostering development through unity.
Assistant Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Naisa Tuinaceva, who hails from Lomati Village in Matuku, thanked the villagers for their determination and vision.
“This is a shining example of the strength of solesolevaki (working together), the communal spirit that drives our rural communities,” he said.
“The people of Matuku have shown that they are not waiting for handouts, but are taking ownership of their future.”
He added that the establishment of a secondary school and accompanying teachers’ quarters would help curb rural-urban migration, allowing children to stay with their families on the island rather than travelling to Suva for schooling purposes.
“This is the first step in addressing broader social issues and in building stronger, more resilient families.”
The Turaga na Tui Matuku, Ratu Lorima Niumataiwalu, described the day as an emotional and joyful gathering.
He said the journey to establishing a secondary school on Matuku goes back to 1967 that were faced with setbacks.
Ratu Lorima shared that he had presented a matanigasau (traditional apology) to the people of Matuku, seeking reconciliation over previous financial mismanagement that had delayed the project.
“Today marks the fulfilment of a long-held dream. I thank the people of Matuku, here at home and abroad for coming together to make this a reality.”
“This is only the beginning. Greater things are on the horizon for our island.”
