Coming from the highlands and to experiencing island life has given him a totally new perception of life especially travelling the high seas by boat. <\/p>\n
Manasa Yavala with the Year 11 students of Ratu Finau Secondary School in Lau. Sitting second from left is his younger sister, Vika Yavala. <\/p>\n
Living in the island is amazing, says Manasa Yavala.<\/p>\n
Mr Yavala, who got his first rural posting to Ratu Finau Secondary School in Tubou, Lakeba, Lau, early this year, says the experience was something he never expected.<\/p>\n
He is originally from Narukunibua Village in Namosi.<\/p>\n
Coming from the highlands and to experiencing island life has given him a totally new perception of life especially travelling the high seas by boat.<\/p>\n
Mr Yavala was accompanied by his father Joe and younger sister Vika, who now joins Ratu Finau Secondary School.<\/p>\n
They left Suva for Lakeba on the MV Brianna franchise last month.<\/p>\n
He said they spent two nights and a day at sea before reaching Lakeba.<\/p>\n
This is his fourth year teaching Applied Technology. He spent three years at Marist Brothers High School before he was posted to Lau.<\/p>\n
Mr Yavala said he was shocked when he received his new posting, but happy at the same time.<\/p>\n
This is my first rural posting, he said.<\/p>\n
Im happy because this is the first time I visited islands in Lau.<\/p>\n
I enjoyed the sights, people and the island itself, its so beautiful.<\/p>\n
Mr Yavala said he was welcomed by the teachers and the principal of the school.<\/p>\n
I only have five students in my class, so theres not much to worry about.<\/p>\n
He is teaching Technical Drawing, Basic Technology and Applied Technology for Year Nine to Year 13 students.<\/p>\n
Manasa Yavala (left), with fellow teachers of Ratu Finau Secondary School in Lau.<\/p>\n
The school is located away from the village on a hill, looking down at the sea, he said.<\/p>\n
Here I go to mass every Sunday in Tubou, and last week was my first Ash Wednesday away from my loved ones.<\/p>\n
The school has internet access where Mr Yavala gets the chance to update himself with the news and also reach out to his family members through social media platforms.<\/p>\n
Mr Yavala was homesick during his first month.<\/p>\n
He said living on the island includes social and geographical isolation, transportation problems and some community challenges.<\/p>\n
Manasa Yavala and his father, Joe Yavala.<\/p>\n
I love the food here, we eat seafood every day. It took me time to learn how to eat crabs.<\/p>\n
Mr Yavala said now he was able to save money compared to his years of teaching in Suva.<\/p>\n
Edited by Selita Bolanavanua<\/p>\n
Feedback: lusiana.tuimaisala@fijisun.com.fj<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n See the rest here: <\/p>\n From the Mountain To The Sea: Highlander Teacher, Says Island Life Amazes Him - Fiji Sun Online<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Coming from the highlands and to experiencing island life has given him a totally new perception of life especially travelling the high seas by boat. Manasa Yavala with the Year 11 students of Ratu Finau Secondary School in Lau. Continue reading