TAVUYA, REWA – Just 13 kilometres from Nausori Town, the laughter of children at Tavuya Village Kindergarten sounded a little brighter this week.
For years, when nature called, children had to leave school and walk home — disrupting lessons and learning. Today, that is no longer the case.
The kindergarten officially received two brand new flush toilets and a refurbished handwashing facility under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Improvement Project.
The school is one of nearly 15 kindergartens across Rewa that have benefited from the initiative.
For teacher Mrs Kumar, the change is deeply personal.
“I am so happy about the new facilities,” she said.
“We don’t have a reliable water supply here, so we are very grateful for the water tank that now supplies the wash area and the new toilets. With six additional wash taps, the children can easily practice proper handwashing.”
The installation of a water tank and pump ensures the school now has a steady supply of water — something the village has long struggled with.
Village headman Apete Bitunivalu said the improvements go beyond infrastructure.
“This will greatly benefit our children,” he said. “They can now learn in a healthier environment and practice good hygiene every day.”
Nausori Health Office’s Subdivisional Health Inspector, Joneti Nadegi, explained that the project is part of a broader effort to raise WASH standards across schools in the Rewa Subdivision — improving water quality, upgrading sanitation facilities and strengthening hygiene education.
Officiating at the handover, Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu reminded the community that clean water and proper handwashing are powerful tools in preventing disease.
He urged villagers to care for the new facilities, noting that small habits — like washing hands properly — can protect families and entire communities.
For the children of Tavuya, the new toilets and taps may seem simple. But for parents and teachers, they represent dignity, health and uninterrupted learning — a small investment making a big difference.