A dose of history lessons at RSMS

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere attended the Ratu Sukuna Day celebration held at the Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Memorial School (RSMS) in Nabua last week.

According to a Government statement, Ratu Wiliame addressed students speaking of the importance of obedience and discipline in school and at home.

He said these were key in achieving success. In his speech, Ratu Wiliame said it was important that students and teachers had knowledge of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna’s contribution to the country.

“He was a statesman, and a true and courageous Fijian,” he said.

Ratu Wiliame said that one of the issues discussed at the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting was plans to upgrade RSMS and ensure it provides better educational opportunities for Fijians.

The RSMS school hosted various display booths to commemorate Ratu Sukuna week and the public specially students got the opportunity to broaden their knowledge about traditional iTaukei protocols, foods, cultural attire, crafts and meke (dance).

The National Archives of Fiji setup a booth showcasing the early life of the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.

It had pictures, books and pamphlets, easily accessible for students to understand Ratu Sukuna’s achievements not only as a chief, statesman and soldier but the decisions he made about iTaukei land issues in Fiji.

Staff members from the iTaukei Affairs Ministry, the Fiji Arts Council, the Department of Heritage and Arts were also present at the school.

Students also had the opportunity to learn how to weave, make pottery, do kesakesa on masi (tapa printing).

More than 20 schools were part of the celebrations.