Esther Lomani Curu is the first Fijian student to be school captain at Lansvale East Public School’s in Lansvale New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
The 11-year-old from Yadrana Village in Lakeba, Lau is considered a diligent and independent learner by her teacher, which has earned her the honour of being the school captain.
Curu, who resides in Merrylands, NSW, with her parent was born and raised in Australia.
She has paternal links to Yadrana and maternal links to Tamusua Village in Yasawa.
Having started her education from preschool right up to Year 6 at Lansvale, Curu was still surprised when she was selected to be the school captain.
“It came as a surprise when I was told that I’ve been appointed by the school to be the school captain,” she said.
“I returned the glory to the Lord because everything I’ve achieved is a blessing for me and my family from him.”
Curu’s role as school captain is to make sure that the school rules are followed and she assists students and teachers at school when they need help.
She also looks after students and makes sure that they are safe within school premises during school hours.
She said being selected to be the school captain wasn’t a surprise to the students and teachers cause most of them looked forward to her taking up the role.
“For my family it was a blessing to achieve such an accomplishment and not only for me and my family but for my beloved island home – Fiji.
“I have great support from the teachers and parents here.
“I love socialising with everyone especially to be close to all the students.”
Curu was inspired by her older sister Tokasa Lomani Curu who quickly adjusted to living in Australia after she and her parents moved there.
“After leaving Nadi Airport School and starting anew here, my sister managed to be a school prefect on her last year at Lansvale, so she is a role model for me and encourages me to aim high and to always have faith in God.”
Apart from being a good role model for young students at Lansvale, Curu loves to spend her free time singing, drawing, doing sports activities, reading, cooking and watching funny TikTok videos.
“I love to sing and it can be seen in videos on our family group page ‘Ni Talai Au Family Ministry’ or through my dad’s Facebook page.”
Curu challenges young Fijians living in Fiji and abroad to always have a passion for schooling.
“I would like to challenge you to work hard at school when we still have the chance to study.
“My advice to you is, if I can achieve it, you can too and don’t forget prayer is the only key to success.”
Her father Samuela Curu said he was over the moon when he heard the news.
“To be honest I couldn’t hold back my tears of joy when she came home after school with the note and her school captain badge,” he said.
“We shared some emotional moments together with the family thanking God for the achievement and wisdom. It was only a blessing from above.
“Esther is a quiet and shy girl when it comes to meeting people in public, but at school she’s different, she socialises well with students and teachers.
“For us at home it’s totally different she’s the funniest in the family I’d say, and always makes everyone happy.”
She is also the recipient for a few awards – the NSW’s Premier’s Reading Challenge Gold Award and the 2021 NSW Premier’s Sports Challenge 10 Week Challenge Silver Award.
She is also a certified participant of the National Young Leaders Day.
