Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has assured teachers that their log of claims will be addressed in the next cabinet meeting while Fiji Teachers Union President Muniappa Gounder says the teachers are now happy that they can engage in dialogue and consultation with Government regarding their welfare.
This was highlighted during the Fiji Teachers Confederation celebration and acknowledgement of Prime Minister Rabuka at the Fijian Teachers Association Hall.
Rabuka was presented with a whale’s tooth (Tabua) and it also included ceremonies of nai qaloqalovi, i sevusevu, i vakamamaca and i ulivaki ni vosa.
After the Prime Minister's speech, a presentation known as nai vakatale was presented by a member of the FTA board member.
At the event, Rabuka highlighted the importance of teachers and their outstanding claims that shows the difficulty people have in their profession. Rabuka says there are times when everyone is called to do something good for the nation and as teachers, they receive the same calling given to the Ministers.
He says teachers should continue to produce great men and women as they are builders of tomorrow.
Rabuka says he is pleased to be at the ceremony as he was brought up by a teacher and when he became prominent in Fiji after that, his father was decorated by the President of Fiji and given a medal for having worked for Fiji for over 50 years.
Meanwhile, FTU President Gounder says we now have a leader who is committed and will engage with them to move our country forward and they are now driven by a deep sense of ownership and participation.
He says the coalition government is a symbol of unity for our country and he assured Rabuka of their allegiance.
Gounder says they are appreciative of the fact that the Ministry of Education has invited them for a free and fair discussion on educational issues after so long.
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