Fijian Prime Minister visits Nasivikoso Village School

On Jan. 16, the Prime Minister of Fiji, Vorqe Bainimarama, visited the Nasivikoso Village School Project to officially open the two classrooms, teachers’ quarters and bathroom facilities his office contributed to the project. His support is a testament to the importance of this project, and was also essential to the driving forward the development of this facility. While there is still much work to be done, the day was a great celebration and reminder of what has been achieved.

The first classrooms opened their doors in 2012 for grades one through three, thanks in large part to the leadership of the Nasivikoso Village School Committee, support from the Ministry of Education, as well as the support of Rustic Pathways, and the donors of the Rustic Pathways Foundation. In 2015, the students from grades one through eight will attend the new school and no longer have to leave the support and care of their families to attend boarding school in order to receive an education.

The next steps for the project are to complete housing for all teachers, upgrade the water supply system, clear land for a school sports field, and ensure the teachers and students have access to the materials needed to ensure a high-quality education.

The Fiji Times newspaper reported the event saying “[The Prime Minister] thanked NGO Rustic Pathways for assisting in the project and also praised the community for raising $40,000—an achievement he credited as incredible and a wonderful example to the rest of the country.”