EDUCATION Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy has called on students from cyclone-ravaged zones to prove they are stronger than Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston as external examinations began in schools nationwide yesterday.

As many as 16,337 students across 704 exam centres sat for the first day of the two-day Fiji Eighth Year Examination (FEYE).

These exams will be followed by the Year 6 examinations and the external examinations for high school students.

“I wish to convey my warm and sincere well wishes to all the students and I want to tell you that you have been well prepared for this exam. Do your very best because this is an opportunity to assess and reflect on what has been learned throughout the year. This is your time to shine, so give it your best shot,” Dr Reddy said.

“I take this opportunity to remind you that sometimes there will be problems and issues which will affect us to do our best, but those that make those problems their motivation are the ones who succeed in life.

“I urge all students in the cyclone-ravaged zones to display the same dedication and prove that you are stronger than Winston.”

He said parents and guardians had roles to play in ensuring their child’s success during exams.

“It is important to pay the highest level of attention to our children’s needs during the external examination period. This is when they need a lot of support from parents and guardians. Ensure that your child has all the needed stationery and resources for the exams.”

The examinable subjects taught in Year 8 are English, mathematics, basic science, healthy living, social science and vernacular subjects, which include Vosa Vaka-Viti, Hindi, Urdu and Rotuman.

The Fiji Times visited a few schools in the Tailevu North area yesterday.

One in particular, St Vincent Primary School, shifted their exam classes from the tent they usually occupied to temporary classrooms.

Headteacher Makereta Turagacati said the school was fortunate to be assisted by the Vincentians of the Catholic church who built those temporary classroom blocks in July.