05/06/2026
32 children celebrated “Ratu Sukuna, Girmit and Rotuma Day” in Nanuku Settlement on Saturday 30th of May.
Madam Roko welcomed them and opened with the song “Sa ka Talei Na Nomuni Loloma” which the children love to sing!
Madam Courtney read the first book of the morning titled, “Nasreen’s Secret Room.” The story is about a young girl from Afghanistan who fills her loneliness with the knowledge that she holds. Through her imagination Nasreen was able to bypass soldiers who forbid girls to attend school. However, she was able to attend a secret school and through prayer Nasreen overcame hardship to find her voice through education.
This was followed by Courtney, Peniette, and Roko speaking about the very special days being celebrated, Girmit Day, Rotuma Day, and Ratu Sukuna Day:
• Ratu Sukuna was a man who although was not allowed in the British army because of his colour, he did not give up but joined the French army, he was a statesman, a soldier, introduced the sulu- vakataga in Fiji, he was the first Fijian to study abroad
• The Girmits came to Fiji and were mistreated and suffered a lot, but they educated themselves and helped build the nation and economy of Fiji
• Peniette spoke about the Island of Rotuma and taught the children a new song in the Rotuman language
Then there was the cutting of the cake in remembrance of these special celebrations. A quiz was held, one for the junior group of children and one quiz for the seniors. Winners of these quizzes won chocolates and chocolates biscuits as part of their prizes.
The seniors were then divided into three groups and were asked to present on one of the special days being celebrated, with the support of volunteers.
The Girmit group was led by Nanise and they discussed the introduction of Indo-Fijian curry to the national palate of Fijians and also showcased the Leonidas, the ship that brought over 60,000 labourers from India to Fiji.
The Rotuman Group was led by Wendy and they drew a map of Rotuma, talked about how the Fikei was made, along with the garland worn by Rotumans known as the Tefui, and the weeklong celebration that includes singing and dancing.
Apolonia led the Ratu Sukuna Group and discussed the different dialects and languages in Fiji alongside the the family background of Ratu Sukuna.
Madam Roko reminded the children of the importance of speaking up and expressing themselves. As the reading session came to an end, the children were gifted with Solar lights from Peniette before collecting their fruits and cake.
A big Vinaka vakalevu to:
1. Peniette for our Solar lights and sharing with us about Rotuma Day
2. To our first time volunteers (Gaylene and Symone) thank you both for actively taking part in today’s discussion
3. Madam Courtney for our Cake, taking the lead role in sharing about Ratu Sukuna
4. Anonymous donor for our biscuits and chocolates that was used as prizes for the quiz
Till next time,
Vunilagi Book Club 😊
