Namataku, Fiji

On Tuesday morning Aug 11th the Stanfords picked us from our hotel and we drove 3 hours to the village of Namataku, Fiji to visit a nearly completed humanitarian project.  Upon arrival all the school children were patiently waiting outside and a "Handover Ceremony" officially began.  They acknowledged their special guests "all the way from America" and we were invited to tour the project site.  This project was an addition to an existing toilet block plus a hygiene area for washing and brushing teeth and a new source of clean water.  They now also have a 10,000 liter water tank which will provide sufficient clean water to meet the school's needs.

After touring the site a prayer was said and the special visitors each received a garland.

There were speakers from the school and the church (Elder Winters and Brother Stanford).  They talked to the children about the importance of getting a good education.

After the talks which were kept mercifully short, we were invited to go down to the new toilet block again where they took pictures of the official handover of the facilities to the school.  After the pictures there were some speakers and some refreshments.

During the refreshments we were entertained by the approximately 450 students.  After our entertainment, lollipops were given out to the children and they bid us a fond farewell and we drove the 3 hours back to Suva.

"We believe it is essential that our young people gain sufficient education to care for themelves in this highly specialized age, and also to serve their fellowmen and we have in the past and shall continue in the future to support education at all levels."  Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report April 1970