Independence Day celebration
There was a sense of nostalgia as many in Levuka, Ovalau celebrated Fiji Day. Many who turned up to be part of the celebration watched the re-enactment of the Deed of Cession that took place on October 10, 1874. Some that were present also reminisced Fiji’s independence that took place in Suva, more than 53 years ago.
The World Maritime Day celebration was held in Suva with the theme ‘MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on’. The event was organised by the World Maritime Day committee. The celebration also marked the 50th anniversary of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
The Naitasiri Secondary School first-ever cadet passing out parade was a success. The parade was held at the school’s Naluwai Ground. There were 244 students from Year 9 to Year 11 that took part in the military training.
Annesley Methodist Infant School Year 3 students were all hyped up to support their rugby warriors – the Fiji Water Flying Fijians at the Rugby World Cup. The students created a well-wishes banner for their team with the artwork painted by the student. The banner read ‘Go Fiji Go. Best wishes to the Fiji Water Flying Fijians rugby team from team Annesley’.
The Gandhi Day celebration was held in Suva. Students and teachers of invited schools participated in the annual event that is usually hosted by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School. The day commemorated Mahatma Gandhi’s influential leadership as he strongly believed in the philosophy of non-violence.
A song by two young artists won the grand prize of $8000 at the Domo Vou Talei final at Uprising Music Festival. The SNN artists, Jalesi Mateboto and Akuila Moceidreke wrote the song titled Lewa that took the Westpac grand prize of $5000 and The Fiji Times People’s Choice Award of $3000.
Children of all ages and sizes broke the morning silence to kick-start the rugby touch competition in Raiwaqa. The neighbouring’s Vuiyasawa Park also home to Fiji’s touch rugby club champs such as ‘Flyers and Inside Out’ brought the whole community together to celebrate Fiji Day with sports. Four teams participated in the competition.
Queen Victoria School celebrated its 70th anniversary. Established in 1953, the school stayed true to its humble calling – to be an institution that not only nurtures leaders but also well-respected members of society. The theme for the 70th anniversary was ‘Recognising the Past, Celebrating the Present and Affirming the Future’.
The Fiji National University’s (FNU) Open Day gave students a better understanding of the courses on offer and the type of steps they needed to take to select the right field of study. The Open Day was from October 6 to October 7 at the FNU Nasinu Campus. Many teachers and students travelled far to be part of the open day.
A tsunami evacuation simulation exercise was conducted in Suva as part of the national disaster awareness week. Schools situated close to the Suva coastline took part in the exercise.
The 2023 Higher Education Career Expo at the Vodafone Arena was a success. Students had the opportunity to explore their dream jobs and learn about steps to take academically to achieve their career goals. The expo was a four-day event.
A training field trip was conducted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Naleba Youth Training Centre in Vanua Levu. The field trip connected the students to potential employment opportunities. The trip included visits to several prominent institutions and organisations like the Korotari Forest Station, Seaqaqa Research Station, Monfort Technical Training Institute and the Dreketi Fisheries Station.
