Beyond the hills of Lomawai lies Wai District School, which has been the source of knowledge and education for the surrounding villages and settlements for more than 100 years.
The school, established in 1920, is the oldest school in the Lomawai region. It only catered for classes 1 to 6 from 1920 until 1984, before classes 7 and 8 were included in 1985.
‘Wai’ refers to the view out to sea. The beautiful scenery around the school and its picturesque hills make it such a heaven-like place.
The school used to cater for six villages, including Tau and Bavu, before some villages established their own schools.
Now it only caters for three villages and nearby farming settlements.
Navutu Village is the furthest away and students from there are provided with boarding dormitories.
In 1964, a group of old scholars decided to go to New Zealand, seeking jobs so they could rebuild the school.
At the time, the children were learning in bure classrooms, which were starting to show signs of wear and tear.
Old boy Malikeli Matanisiga was part of the group that went to New Zealand.
“We saw the students were not well catered for in terms of learning, so the older youths came together and decided to help the school,” Mr Matanisiga said.
This initiative by the youths was accomplished by 1970, when the school was rebuilt with concrete classrooms and boarding dorms.
Perched atop a scenic hill overlooking the vast expanse of the sea, Wai District stands as a beacon for 102 students who hail from three villages and nearby farming settlements.
The picturesque setting provides an inspiring backdrop for learning, fostering a connection between the students and the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Despite its modest size, Wai District has produced remarkable talents, particularly in the realm of rugby.
Among its notable alumni is Jonetani Waqa, who honed his skills on these hallowed grounds before ascending to represent Fiji on the national rugby stage.
Waqa’s journey from the serene landscapes of Wai to the vigorous arenas of international rugby exemplified the school’s commitment to nurturing both academic and athletic excellence.
The school serves as a unifying force for the local community, bringing families from diverse backgrounds together.
Its impact extends beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among the residents of the three villages and surrounding farming settlements.
“We’re thankful to our forefathers for allowing a school to be built upon our land because it has brought so many benefits and advantages to us and our children,” Mr Matanisiga said.
A defining moment in the school’s history unfolded in 1960 when the late prime minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara graced the institution with his presence.
This visit marked a profound milestone, elevating the school’s significance and leaving an indelible imprint on the memories of both students and the community.
Mr Matanisiga said Ratu Mara’s visit underscored the importance of education in the eyes of the nation’s leader, shining a spotlight on the school’s commitment to nurturing young minds.
“The occasion was not only a source of immense pride for the school but also a testament to its role in shaping the future of the region,” he said.
He added the impact of that historic visit resonated through the years, serving as inspiration for generations of students who followed.
“The memory of the late prime minister walking the grounds of Wai District remains a symbol of the school’s contribution to the broader fabric of society and its role in fostering leadership and civic engagement.”
In commemorating this significant event, Wai District School not only honours its past but also reaffirms its dedication to providing quality education and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
The visit by Ratu Mara stands as a beacon of recognition for the school’s enduring commitment to excellence for the past 103 years.
