RATU Navula College, Nadi, broke new ground by becoming the first school in the Western Division to offer its students French language lessons.
French ambassador to Fiji Sujiro Seam said the opportunities it would offer students who opted to take the course were enormous given there were 300 Fijians playing rugby in France.
“Ratu Navula is the third school where, with the support of Alliance Francaise, we are bringing French classes to Fijian students,” he said.
“The two first schools were Marist Brothers High School and Suva Grammar School in Suva.
“This is the first time for the West and it will give enormous opportunities for students to learn another language, another culture and another set of values.
“It will give them opportunities to travel the world.
“The closest countries to Fiji are the French Territories — Wallis and Futuna on one side and New Caledonia on the other side.
“It will provide students business opportunities, especially here in the West where the tourism industry and the airport provides job opportunities.
“It will even give them some sports opportunities because France is the number one destination for professional Fijian rugby players.”
Nine Year 9 students and 14 Year 11 students were the first to sign up for French lessons.
