Tavua College_Magz 2019

Message from the Minister for
Education, Heritage & Arts
Warm Greetings, Namaste, Assalamu-alaikum and Bula Vinaka to you all.
I am indeed delighted and thankful to the Tavua College magazine committee for this opportunity to be part
of your Magazine – “Reflector 2019” publication. At the outset, I must congratulate the Management and the
Administrators for the smooth running of the school and all its achievements throughout the year.
The Government of the day is fully committed to lift the Vision of Fiji — to be a knowledge oriented, smart society,
peaceful, progressive and inclusive—and one committed not only to the sustainable development of Fiji, but to
Fiji playing its full role globally to fight the challenge of climate change and resulting intensification of natural
disasters that threaten the very existence of our globe.
Our Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts is adopting a transformational approach to education with an
intent of engaging as many stakeholders and partners as possible in building platforms, resources, capabilities,
and strategies that will enable Fijians to become even more competitive in the world economies of tomorrow.
The Ministry’s 2019 - 2023 Strategic Plan has been designed to align formal, non-formal, vocational and skillsbuilding
based education with current and future economic needs of the country; addressing the curricular,
skills and behavioural expectations of employers; developing graduates that can be both job seekers and job
creators; improving service skills; enabling inclusive education for all; building systems that capture and utilize
information to enable second chances; improved utilization and sustainability of resources; modernization of the
entire education sector; enhancing education as a career choice; and improving the holistic development of our
students.
The area of Heritage and Arts is an integral part of the identity of the people of Fiji, their past, current and a rich
resource for the development of our future generations. Our 21st Century learners will be well grounded under
holistic development of the children and the preservation of the Fijian way of life. Preserving the rich historical
treasures of Fiji, exposing our children to them, and exploring ways to engage these treasures, including values, in
generating new treasures in a competitive global environment are important considerations taken into account in
the development of our planned strategy.
I commend parents’ and guardians’ involvement and their support for all the planned activities organised by the
school.
Students are encouraged to utilize their school holidays well and try and discover more about themselves, their
identity, their talent and career path they wish to pursue.
I am adamant, that Tavua College will continue to produce an extraordinary range of intellectuals and creative
thinkers who can meritoriously contribute to raising the standard of life in our beloved Fiji.
Thank you teachers for the guidance and the mentoring provided to students. Indeed, you deserve a well-earned
vacation.
May the Blessings of Christmas be upon us all as we look forward to a prosperous 2020.
HONOURABLE ROSY SOFIA AKBAR
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