Minister-for-Agriculture-Hon.-Inia-Seruiratu-middle-during-the-Annual-Awards-and-Year-13-Graduation-Ceremony-at-Vunimono-High-School. Photo: DEPTFO
Students of Vunimono High School in Nausori have been encouraged to make informed choices in their lives as they are the ones that would determine their future.
Officiating at the school’s prize giving today, Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Hon. Inia Seruiratu told students that the school system only equips and empowers them with the knowledge to be able to grow and make choices.
“The school system does not presume to make you who, or what you should become. The system only equips and empowers you with the knowledge to be able to grow and make choices.”
“Your teachers, your parents and those close to you will impose some requirements and attempt to provide guidance and advice, but ultimately you, as individuals, will have to choose what you want,” Minister Seruiratu said.
“That is really the gist of the message that I would like to leave with you today – the importance of making informed choices,” Minister Seruiratu added.
Minister Seruiratu stated that this is important because as children pounding at the thresholds of adulthood, they are now at a stage where they will need to make choices, including some extremely important choices that will determine the course of their lives.
“For Year 13 students, you will now have to choose whether to continue with your studies at Tertiary Level or to look for employment opportunities from next year. Continuing education will mean a delay in joining the job market, but will make you more marketable in the end,” Minister Seruiratu said.
“Gaining employment without Tertiary education will mean quick money, but it will be most probable that you will remain at that menial job for the most part of your working life. While I will guide you in making choices in your school life and as you transition to adulthood the first that you should consider is the consequences of your choices; there will be choice which will result in short term thrills but the impact on your life in the long run can be outrageous negative.
“Seeking the views of those who genuinely care for you is always important. Consult them and value their advice, but keep in mind that the final choice is still yours, and you will bear responsibility for it,” Mr Seruiratu said.
The Minister also advised them that they need to be reminded of the importance of making well informed choices and they must pattern their choices in alignment with the great basic life principles of honesty, love, kindness, chasteness and having a pure spirit.
DEPTFO