2017 NATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION

Outgoing High Commissioner Mark Ramsden hosted the 2017 annual prize giving for winners of the secondary schools in Fiji that participated in the 2017 essay writing competition. Twelve major winners were invited with parents, school teachers, principals, media and Fiji Ministry of Education officials led by the Permanent Secretary Mr Tiko. The supreme winners hailed from Adi Cakobau School, Naitasiri and Sangam SKM College, Nadi. Visiting Cakabau School a day prior to the prize giving, adjudicator Dr Satendra Singh addressed the school assembly commending ACS on reaching its 70 year mark, established during the colonial era specifically for the education of girls. Deputy High Commissioner Amanda Vercoe accompanied Dr Singh and was pleased to meet the staff and students of the boarding school. The principal of Nadogo College in Wainikoro, Vanua Levu was delighted one of the winners was selected from his school - the head boy, who had never traveled to Suva before. The opportunity to do so to take part at the High Commission's ceremony also gave him the chance to visit the local University where he hopes to study in 2018. Mr Ramsden said the annual event is an important way to engage with future leaders of Fiji and to have ongoing opportunities to appraise projects during school visits. Other winners came from areas including Sigatoka, Lautoka, Ba, Nausori, Rotuma and Tavua. Next year will be the 10th anniversary for the competition and the two judges, Lady June Hillary and Dr Satendra Singh issued a statement saying topics will be selected soon and schools will be sent letters in February 2018. The competition runs during term one.