Cuvu Learning Center Opens to Combat Student Dropouts

A new community learning center has opened in Cuvu, Nadroga, aiming to combat student dropout rates and bolster academic support for the region's youth. The facility, a collaborative effort involving the Bilo Bar Club, Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji, and local partners, offers a secure environment for students from Voua and seven surrounding villages.

The center will cater to students from Year 4 to Year 8, as well as Year 12 and 13, and tertiary levels. Its services include crucial homework assistance, literacy and numeracy support, exam preparation, and general academic guidance. The initiative directly addresses growing concerns about the lack of after-school academic help available to young people in the area.

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the center was created to give young people an encouraging environment to build confidence and reach their full potential.

Teresa Rietberg, the center's founder and manager, emphasized its creation to foster an encouraging atmosphere where young individuals can build confidence and achieve their full potential. She noted that many students in rural areas face significant educational challenges due to limited home resources, highlighting the vital role of community-led initiatives.

Shangri-La Resort Manager Sunil Beerbul described the center as a beacon of hope and opportunity, underscoring the importance of investing in education for the community's future. The opening coincided with the 45th anniversary of the Bilo Bar Club, a group of returning Shangri-La guests dedicated to supporting regional community projects for decades. Local leaders anticipate the center will significantly improve educational results and guide youth toward higher education and employment.

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the center represents hope and opportunity, reflecting the importance of investing in education to strengthen the community’s future.