RUCI Fong takes her teaching role very seriously.
“I always tell myself that I am surrounded by future leaders, doctors, scientists, artists, musicians, and dancers,” she smiled.
“So I have a very important role in moulding and directing that young life.”
Mrs Fong is the headteacher of Lami Primary School.
She is also the head of Early Childhood Education (ECE) schools within Lami and Suvavou. Three schools come under her cluster.
“There is a need for smoother transition from early childhood education to Year 1. Children need to go through ECE because of the changes in the curriculum.
“There are things they need to know while attending ECE before they come to Year 1,” she said.
The Naweni, Cakaudrove native has been in the teaching field for 29 years and she loves it.
“I’m originally from Naweni Village but born and bred in Vivili Village, Savusavu, my mother’s village,” she described.
“I have the passion for teaching. When I look at the teachers who don’t show they have the passion for teaching especially when they are under my leadership — I tell them if you don’t want to be in this field any more — just tell me straight and resign but don’t make these children the victims of your frustration, your negligence, or your laziness.
“I just want teachers to have passion and have the love in shaping the lives of these children. Because you never know the lasting impression you leave in their young minds.”
Coming right from Vanua Levu, it was a big change for Ruci when she arrived on Viti Levu to pursue her education.
She attended primary school at Savusavu District School before she moved across to attend the prestigious Adi Cakobau School.
“I always knew that I would go into teaching as it was my goal all along,” she said.
“After high school, I did a teacher’s certificate at Lautoka Teachers College (LTC) then went on to do Bachelor of Education then my MBA (Master of Business Administration) at the University of the South Pacific (USP).
“It has been quite a career, a fulfilling one,” said Ruci.
“I have three years left until retirement and I am looking forward to it,” said the 53-year-old.
“If it happens that the Ministry of Education wants some of us to stay, I would gladly stay on.
“I love to serve in this profession,” she said.
