Students relish first-ever visit to Parliament

Visiting Parliament for the first time is nothing but a dream come true for 42 students of Yasawa North Secondary School on Nacula Island in the Yasawa Group.

With much enthusiasm, the students were all smiles as they combed the prestigious institution, aiming to learn more about Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of the students, school teacher and tour coordinator Miriama Kotobalavu said such a trip was one that would certainly go down in their history books as they all were first-timers to Parliament.

“Apart from just visiting Parliament, these students are visiting the capital city of Suva for the first time and this is something very memorable to them,” she said.

“We are from a remote island and hardly, we hear the buzzing sound like what we encounter here on the mainland and for us, being here is indeed an eye-opening experience.

“These are pioneer students given that their school has just been established about a year ago and bringing them here is a great start to their career paths.”

Ms Kotobalavu said the Years 9 and 10 students have certainly learnt a lot during the visit.

“We have really been further informed about the works of Parliament and we are so privileged and blessed to be here. We sincerely thank the staff here for their wonderful facilitation.”

Meanwhile, 27 students of the Japanese Exchange Group also took time out yesterday to visit Parliament before returning to their home country.

These students were part of the Coke Zero Deans Rugby Final programme and played against Nasinu in a friendly match last Saturday.

Their interpreter, Yuichi Oshikiri said even though it was just a short visit, the students from Akita City enjoyed themselves, learning more about the Fijian Parliament.

“This is also their first time here and we are thankful for this opportunity,” he said.

The students, at the same time, also exchanged greetings and mingled briefly with the Yasawa North Secondary School group before their departure.

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