In the district of Deuba, a school is nestled in between Sadro and Sauniveuto villages. It has been around for over a century, providing holistic education for children.
Established in 1906, Deuba District School (DDS) has birthed prominent figures and sportsmen/women over the years.
Former MP Joketani Cokanasiga, Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Katamotu, Maritime and Safety authority CEO Joeli Cawaki, Flying Fijian Captain Waisea Nayacalevu, former netball captain Matila Waqanidrola, former divisional education Officers Meli Tokibau and Isireli Cawaki were amongst the few that had passed through the portal of its primary education.
The school was the first of its kind to be established in the Serua, Namosi Province; its sole purpose was to cater for children of local villages and community. At present, the school accommodates four small villages and nearby farming communities.
In its 117 years of existence, it bore witness to a lot of challenges and celebratory moments.
Alumni from the 1950s shared their piece of memory, and it was indeed saddening considering how the education system has eased compared to before.
Free education, free bus fare, back to school assistance, and e-learning are readily available to children nowadays whilst students then had a different encounter with life.
Naomi Volavola, an alumni of the 1950s, recalled that the school had one wooden building and a traditional vale vaka viti, which catered for classes one to six.
She said back then, students were immediately transferred to high school after passing class six.
Ms Volavola shared they had four teachers at the time, and some were teaching two classes a day. Isoa Damudamu from Kadavu was the head teacher then.
He along with his three colleagues namely, Nanise Vucago, Apisake Savou and Ifereimi Nakaiwalu worked hand in hand to hold the fort for Deuba District School at that time.
To accommodate the growing number of students, they had hired a former Adi Cakobau School student with no teaching background to assist them with their work, and she was eventually assigned to a class.
Sunia Tabuanitoga, a class of 1950s, reminisced on how students from Wainilotulevu Village, Namosi, spent the weekdays at the village for school before returning home for the weekend.
“They had to travel by boat in order to come to school, and this was the best solution for them,” Mr Tabuanitoga said.
Students from local communities had to walk on foot for 30 minutes, some longer to be able to reach school.
Some left their homes as early as five in the morning. He also shared how corporal punishment played a huge role in disciplining students before stringent rules were set.
Mr Tabuanitoga said parents did not feel obliged because it reflected the beliefs of the church and the Vanua. He said struggles and sacrifices amongst students had brought them together.
Through the process, they managed to secure lifelong friendship and bonds, providing comfort and solace for each other. That’s why everyone are familiar with each other in Navua Town—the meeting point of the two provinces, a bond created from previous generations, remain steadfast throughout the next.
Deuba District School has evolved over the years through various government, non-government assistance, and community fundraising. It now boasts of eight classrooms, lavatories, one kindergarten, a canteen, and five teacher’s quarters.
More development plans are in place as DDS old scholars’ proposed a double storey building in 2022. On July 2023, during its centennial celebration, old scholars managed to raise $36,388.60 for the proposed project.
However, plans are still underway for old scholar’s
fundraising next year to help them achieve their final budget. Academic wise, school head teacher Samuela Nakete said with the inevitability of changes in the world, the old teaching method is becoming irrelevant for the younger generation.
“We had to introduced E-learning in 2022 so that we can adapt to the changes and with that we recently acquired a 67 per cent pass rate in our Year eight National Examination 2023,” said Mr Nakete, adding he hopes to maintain its passing streak.
The school also ensures balance in school to facilitate students who are exceptional in other fields. Programs were introduced to enhance their skillset, whether in arts or sports.
DDS also participated in Kaji rugby, netball and athletics’, and it was through these sporting programs that national reps Waisea Nayacalevu and Matila Waqanidrola honed their skills.
Nayacalevu of Sadro Village Deuba and Waqanidrola from Vunibau Village came through the school system carving their names in the history of sporting world. “I would say DDS was the foundation of my childhood and learnings,” Mr Nayacalevu said.
He said the school played a major role in his life and his rugby career. “It is where I started playing rugby and learnt more about it and the rules of the game, which I fell in love with since.
“Some of the life lessons learnt have kept me in the right path.”
He said memories forged from the school would forever be etched in his heart. Not only did the school contribute to his sporting ability, but it aided him academically as well.
Amongst other accolades, in 2019, the school was awarded the Health Promoting School in the Central Division.
This was awarded to schools that constantly strengthen their capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning, and working.
True to its Mission – providing quality and holistic education for all – the school has indeed excelled in all aspects and has stood the test of time.
