Students at Ratu Sukuna Memorial School in Nabua took part in painting, weaving and cultural activities this week as part of the 2026 Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day celebrations.
The week-long celebration brought together students, teachers and local artists to honour the legacy of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna through art and culture.
Vice Principal Mrs Kuini Vitukawalu said the celebrations were important because the school carries the name of Ratu Sukuna and his vision of embracing both traditional and modern cultures.
“This year we are concentrating on the other cultures in Fiji. That is what this man stood for in those years – the man of two worlds,” she said.
The school invited artists Mason Lee, Josaia McNamara, Anare Somumu and other painters through the Fiji Arts Council to work alongside students during the celebrations. Artist-in-Residence Mason Lee is from the University of Fiji Suva Central Campus.
Artist Josaia McNamara said working with students was rewarding because it gave young people a chance to learn artistic skills for free.
“For me, it’s a way of giving back to the community because it’s very expensive for students to pay for private art classes,” he said. “Through this opportunity, we’ve been able to tutor students on the job for free.”
Mr Anare said art played an important role in educating young people about culture and history.
“Art is a vehicle of transmitting information visually and expressively,” he said. “It is important that we educate our youngsters so that we can bridge the gap of our past art practices into the future.”
Students involved in the activities said the event helped them discover new talents and
learn more about Fiji’s culture and traditions. Year 11 student Tulia Vulivuli said the celebration inspired students to showcase their hidden talents.
“There’s a lot of students here who never know their great drawings, so we need more activities like this so they can showcase their talent,” she said.
Another Year 11 student, Rosi Ledua Seini, said the activities helped students learn skills they may not have learned at home.
“I feel so excited because we get to learn a few things that we didn’t learn from home,” she said. “Today I get to know how to do drawings.”
Year 11 student Isimeli Rasari said the artists motivated students to see art as a positive activity and future opportunity.
“They inspired me about this painting,” he said. “You can get a lot of money with this
kind of painting.”
Mrs Vitukawalu said the school planned to continue organising cultural and creative activities in the future to help students value their traditions and identities.
“The celebration of culture, regardless of your race, is something that we have to harness and keep as part of us,” she said.
