When Visenia Nawalu Khan enrolled at Fiji Chinese School, now Yat Sen Primary School, she became the one of the school’s first iTaukei students.
Growing up in Flagstaff, the school was close to home and offered a convenient option for her education.
What began as a practical choice would go on to shape her life, career and family.
“The Fiji Chinese School and community taught me values and responsibility,” she said.
After completing her primary education, Khan attended Cathedral Secondary School.
She later pursued a career in tourism and worked in the industry before returning to Suva. A career in education had not been part of her plans. However, an opportunity arose when Yat Sen School asked her to join the primary school on a temporary basis.
What was meant to be a short-term role became a lifelong commitment.
Mrs Khan joined Yat Sen Primary School in 1993 in an administrative position.
In 2005, she moved to Yat Sen Secondary School as the librarian, replacing the late Mrs Keni.
More than three decades later, she remains part of the Yat Sen family.
Over her 32 years of service, Khan has witnessed generations of students pass through the school’s classrooms.
Her connection to Yat Sen extends beyond her work.
She married a Yat Sen alumnus, and their children also attended the school.
For Khan, Yat Sen is more than a workplace.
She also serves as the school’s Christian Fellowship coordinator.
“I am so blessed to still be here, in this season, to be able to plant the seed of God in my students,” she said.
She speaks warmly about the support she has received from the Chinese Education Society of Fiji throughout her career.
“After all these years, I have no regrets. I believe God has me here for a reason. The Chinese Education Society of Fiji has been so good to me and the employees here.”
As Yat Sen celebrates its 90/40 anniversary, Mrs Khan’s story reflects the school’s long tradition of bringing together people from different backgrounds and creating lasting connections across generations.
From being the first iTaukei student through its gates to serving more than three decades as a staff member, she remains part of the school’s history and its future.
