LAUTOKA'S youngest secondary school celebrated its birth by recognising founders and highlighting issues youths face daily.
Lautoka Andhra Sangam College, established in 1995, held Andhra Day celebrations yesterday where speakers discussed issues like drug abuse, social welfare dependency and the environment.
Principal Tara Muniappa said the annual celebrations were held to raise awareness on two important issues.
"Firstly, we want students to recognise and appreciate the work of the founders of the school and secondly it provides us with an opportunity to highlight issues that affect students," she said.
Ms Muniappa said the annual celebrations were a success with awareness campaigns making inroads despite students' challenges.
"In the four years that I have been principal, I have seen a lot of changes — conduct and attendance has improved significantly, exam results have also improved and we have seen a lot more students moving into tertiary study after successfully completing their studies here," Ms Muniappa said.
Over 200 parents, 320 students and 21 staff attended the celebrations. Commerce Commission chairman Doctor Mahendra Reddy was chief guest.