THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS
LAISENIA TUITUBOU

• Invited Guests
• The Head Teacher
• The respective members of the school committee and management
• Teachers
• Parents and Guardians
• Students
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Bula Vinaka, Namaste, Salam Aleikum and a very Good Morning to you all.

It is a great pleasure to be part of your prize giving ceremony at one of the most eagerly awaited events in the school calendar. This is what you as students strive for - to excel in your academic studies and be rewarded for it. I am sure your teachers and parents are really proud of you and I am glad to be here sharing in your achievements.

I must acknowledge the efforts of all students here today. Even though many of you may not get an award today, do not be disheartened. Continue to do your best as you will be reap the rewards. Dream big, set goals and commit yourselves to achieve them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I also commend the efforts and dedication of teachers and parents in nurturing these young children and building a very strong academic foundation for them. In providing robust education, teachers play very important role. Whatever we learn through our parents and teachers goes with us throughout our lives and we again pass this on to the next generation.

Ladies and Gentlemen, besides a supportive home environment, education is the basis of development of our children.

Education is a key element in determining the lifestyle we want to pursue in the future. It develops our personality and ethics; provides physical and mental toughness and provides a platform for the future. Education develops our confidence by giving us knowledge in many fields.

Good education helps us all to be independent, to find solutions to the challenges we face and to express our opinions. Education is a passion for many and not work. It is about reading, thinking, debating and developing our minds and skills.

Ban Ki Moon, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, said: “Education promotes equality and lifts people out of poverty. It teaches children how to become good citizens. Education is not just for a privileged few, it is for everyone. It is a fundamental human right.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Government of Fiji, through the Ministry of Education, is continuously seeking ways to improve education so all our children benefit from this human right.

The Government now provides free education, free transport for students and recently we started the free Weet-Bix program in Primary schools.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports also supports by developing school grounds so that students receive equal access to sports and are physically active. This is how we support both mental and physical wellness.

In conclusion, I urge all students to give your best in the coming years and to continue your education. Education is a life-long journey; it opens doors for you as you embark on that journey.

Lastly, congratulations to the recipients of awards. May you all cherish this moment with humility and carry forward your achievements to next year.

Vinaka, Dhanyabaad, Shokran and thank you all.