THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS
MR LAISENIA TUITUBOU
Address at Fiji Latter Day Saints College 2017 Student Leaders Induction on 07 February 2017 at 9.30am
• The Principal and Vice-Principal of Fiji Latter Day Saints College;
• The Management of Fiji Latter Day Saints College;
• Teachers, families, students and friends
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Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste and a very good morning to you all.
I am indeed honoured to be here this morning as your chief guest as young people and education are very close to my heart.
Today is a big day for our student leader inductees. Today each of you will take on huge responsibilities as young leaders of your school. You will become the cornerstone of the student body for 2017 and will really have to set the very best example in all that you do throughout the year.
Today begins a new chapter in your journey as young men and women of this establishment, so I take this opportunity to congratulate you, first and foremost, for leading exceptional student formative years while still a young saint.
I have the good fortune of meeting and contributing to the holistic development of our young Fijians, regardless of their locality, ethnicity, culture and social standing through the work that I and my Ministry do. Collectively, we have the obligation to see to the full realization of your potential. Today I share with you one of your best achievements in your young lives thus far and I can see the pride in your eyes and on your parents’ faces as well.
As a father myself, I would like to shine the spotlight on our parents and teachers, for without their love and care, none of you would be where you are today. Parents place a great amount of trust in teachers to care for, further educate and inspire their children. Basic education and values are taught in the home and are reinforced in the classroom. I have no doubt that as teachers, you recognise the responsibility you bear, and the privilege that you enjoy in contributing to all children’s lives. I acknowledge your presence here this morning, parents and teachers alike, because you help to mould and guide our future leaders. Thank you for all you have done in the upbringing of your children and for all that you will undoubtedly continue to do.
Today’s student leaders’ induction theme is ‘Christ Centred Leadership as the way to lead and serve in our family, school, church and nation.’
You may ask yourselves, what is required of me to lead my fellow students? What does an ideal leader do? What qualities do I need to possess to be the competent and trustworthy leader that my school requires of me? I know that these are but a few of the searing questions that you may be asking yourself now. Let me assure you, you each possess the qualities of a leader, otherwise you would not have been called to take up this task by your teachers and peers. Their trust is already placed in your hands; what you do with it is your choice, but please remember that you have worked towards this so do not let your efforts turn to naught. Peter Drucker, a well-known writer on leadership and management has said:
“Leadership is lifting a person's vision to high sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.”
In your context, I hope to share with you a few leadership qualities that you should always consider. You must remember that you are servants. You serve those you lead. As Aristotle said: “He (or she) who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander”.
Just like Jesus Christ was the perfect leader, he was also the perfect servant. So too should you be. Pray that you may have the grace to be servants. As pilgrims on a journey throughout this year, as a family on the road, you are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.
You have each shown that you possess the qualities of honesty, good communication, commitment, confidence, intuition, dedication and the ability to lead. Let me add compassion, sensitivity, awareness of others and respect. Please remember that respect has to be earned and being a leader will automatically give you some of that, but the rest has to be earned.
Let me also remind you that as leaders of the school, you are now role models. The badge which will be given to you today must serve as a daily reminder of the task and responsibility that you have each been entrusted with. I have no doubt that you will carry out your duties and obligations to the best of your abilities. It is therefore my duty also to urge you to accept this charge and responsibility.
I reiterate to all students here this morning please take this opportunity to pursue your education with extra commitment, vigour and dedication. There will come a time when you no longer depend on your parents and teachers and you will be thrust into the unforgiving world on your own – although your parents will always be there to support you. Sow the seeds of your success now building on your education as the foundation of your success. As young as you may be now, I hope that you are protected from the reality of life beyond the walls of your school and that you will use this time to build your character and your values. I urge you to study and learn now so that you are able to plant your feet firmly on the ground as you venture forth into the world as independent individuals. You are the architects of your own fate and your canvas into the future starts now.
Concentrate on your studies and in doing so contribute to your own personal development and the development of society as a whole. I congratulate our student leader inductees once again
Vinaka Vakalevu and thank you.