Kubulau District School in Bua was filled with jubilation when students and teachers celebrated the life of the late statesman, Ratu Sukuna.
After a lapse of 16 years, the school had a one week celebration packed with a rich display of traditional practices and customs.
Kubulau District School’s head of school Sisa Tamani said the students were part of the nationwide appreciation of the Ratu Sukuna Day.
Mr Tamani said the students of Kubulau chose to celebrate a life well-lived.
“It has been a week-long display of grandeur and sacred cultural richness,” he said.
“The week started with our usual Monday assembly followed by some instructions from the teachers on the week’s program.
“It was encouraging to witness national pride as children and teachers seized available moments to initiate classroom-based activities.
“If walls could talk, it would complaint about the weight of artifacts suspended on it for display during the week. ”
The school simply transformed into a school flea-market where traditional crafts, attires and food were showcased.
“Ancient and forgotten identities were restored by the creative hands of our artists from Years 4 to 8,” he said.
“Observing the little fingers at work always brings us a sense of pride and satisfaction.
“Posters exemplifying portraits of the late chief were drawn and photos were on display along the corridors.
“Historical timelines were also pinned on the walls as part of information sharing among students.
“The eyes of our lower primary students feasted on the display and surely those memories would last a life time with them.”
He said they had ample time for the students to learn their cultural dances – which were showcased remarkably well outside.
“The panel of judges did their judging on Thursday,” he said.
” They judged on classroom corner displays.
“Certificates of appreciation were also handed out to students in each grade for their incredible work.”
Students also enjoyed traditional games such as veitiqa (a traditional form of javelin), kari niu (coconut scraping) and veidredali (tug of war).
