Lautoka School For Special Education

31/12/2025

Happy New Year! ✨
Wishing you a year filled with peace, strength, good health, and new beginnings. May 2026 bring you happiness, success, and many reasons to smile 🌸

12/12/2025

08/12/2025

03/12/2025

In celebration of the, 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, themed “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” our school led an awareness and advocacy session at the Koroipita community. Two of our dedicated staff also shared their empowering and inspirational journeys.
“Inclusion is not just a policy—it is a commitment to seeing ability in every individual.”

03/12/2025

Advocacy & Awareness Speech for IDPWD 2025
Theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”
Presented by: HOS Lautoka School for Special Education at Koroipita Community, Lautoka on 3rd December, 2025.

Bula Vinaka and a warm greeting to you all.

Today, as we gather here at Koroipita Community, we join millions around the world to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025. This year’s theme — “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress” — is not just a message. It is a call to action. A call to every home, every community, every leader, and every heart.

A truly inclusive society is not built in government boardrooms or international conferences alone. It begins right here — in our communities, in the way we treat one another, in the opportunities we create, and in the dignity we give to every person.

Today, we stand together to raise awareness of disability not as a limitation, but as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Persons with disabilities are students, workers, leaders, artists, parents, innovators, and dreamers. They are not asking for privilege — they are asking for fairness. Not special treatment — but equal opportunity. Not sympathy — but support and respect.

At Lautoka School for Special Education, we see every day what inclusion can do.
When a child is supported, they thrive.
When a family is empowered, they become strong.
When a community is aware, it becomes safe and welcoming.

But when society excludes… talent is lost, dreams are cut short, and progress slows down.

Inclusion is not only the right thing to do — it is the smart thing to do.
When persons with disabilities are included in education, work, sports, and community life, the whole nation moves forward. Fiji becomes stronger. Our voices become louder. Our future becomes brighter.

So today, let us make a commitment — as parents, neighbours, teachers, youth, and leaders:
• To see ability before disability
• To speak up against stigma and discrimination
• To ensure every child and adult with a disability is valued, supported, and included
• To open doors — in schools, workplaces, and communities — that for too long have remained closed

As we celebrate IDPWD 2025, may we remember this truth:
Inclusion is not an act of charity. It is an act of justice.
And a just society is the foundation of true social progress.

Vinaka vakalevu, and thank you Koroipita Community for standing with us today.
Together, let us continue building a Fiji where everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and no one is left behind.
Western Council of Special and Inclusive Educators, Ministry of Education FIJI, Fiji National Sports Commission, Frank Hilton Organization Fiji, Master Kailash Pillay, Special Olympics Fiji, Rotary Club Papatoetoe Central, Westcosie Fiji, @

02/12/2025

28/11/2025

Big shout out to our new rising fans!

Gina Peters

27/11/2025

Dear Ms. Singh of Canada and the wider community (especially those who made negative comments in the LAUTOKA INTERNATIONAL (Home that unites all Lautokans, wherever they live) page,

We have become aware of this post and the subsequent discussion, and we first and foremost want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredibly kind gesture and generous donation to our students. Your desire to bring joy to our children during your visit on the 15th of October, 2025, all the way from Canada is deeply appreciated.

We are writing to provide clarity and address the concerns that have been raised.

To confirm the details, our admin officer received approximately 35 pieces of chocolates/candies from you, Ms. Singh. We sincerely thank you for this gift. However, as a Health Promoting School, our policy strictly limits the distribution of cakes, ice cream, chocolates, and other sugary snacks to our students to protect their well-being. Upon your kind insistence, our officer accepted the donation. As both the Head of School (HOS) and Assistant Head Teacher (AHT) were on leave that day, the distribution was held until the next day to seek the necessary approval.

Given our total school roll of 212 students, and to be fair with the limited quantity, the HOS approved the distribution to our Pre-Primary (Kindy) class, which has a roll of 34 students. On that day, two students were absent, so the 33 present Kindy students each received a treat. The two remaining candies were then given to two 9-year-old students in our LFL (Learning for Life) class. (Refer to our attached School Class Structure)

We can assure you that every single piece was given directly to the children. Our staff are dedicated professionals who treat every student with respect and love; the integrity of our team is built on years of selfless service, and we have evidence from our teachers that this distribution took place exactly as described.

Sometimes, looking at our special kids and their pure desire for a treat, we make careful exceptions. Seeing the smile on their faces is a blessing from these innocent children, and we would never want to deny a donor's kindness brought to our doorstep with love. However, for those who inquire beforehand, we always humbly advise them of our HPS policy and suggest wonderful alternatives like fruits and healthy snacks, which are always welcomed.

Regarding the photos, we must sincerely apologise for this misunderstanding. To protect the privacy and safety of our vulnerable students, we have a strict policy against taking or distributing photographs without explicit parental consent. We are truly sorry that we were unable to fulfill this specific request, and we regret any distress this has caused. It was never our intention to ignore you; we were bound by our duty of care.

Reading some of the comments has been profoundly disheartening for our entire team. This situation highlights why we need to advocate more for children with disabilities. A special school like ours is not just a building; it is a tailor-made ecosystem designed to suit every student's learning and daily needs. Our teachers and staff are caregivers, nurses, and champions for our 212 students, aged 4 to 29. They perform tasks from changing diapers to delivering a tailored education, all while innovating to create paths to independence.

Through our Work Ready Program, we are creating employment opportunities for our senior students (18-30 years).
• Our "Home Therapy" Class serves 46 students with severe physical challenges from communities as far as Tavua and Sigatoka, who had never been to school before.
• Our boarding facility cares for students from distant locations, ensuring they receive the specialized education they deserve.

For this one, small misunderstanding—where we were upholding our child protection and health policies—to result in the defamation of our school is truly saddening. It overlooks decades of silent sacrifice and dedication.

We once again apologise for not being able to meet your condition of providing photographs. Your generosity was, and is, valued. The next time you are in Fiji, we would be honoured to welcome you to our school personally to see the impactful work we do.

We hope for your understanding and continued support in advocating for the rights and abilities of children with disabilities.

With respect and gratitude,

HEAD OF SCHOOL
Lautoka School for Special Education

22/11/2025

“The 2025 Annual Awards Day was celebrated with great pride and joy as we recognized the dedication, achievements, and talents of our students. Congratulations to all award recipients — your hard work and determination have truly shone through.”

16/11/2025

We celebrated our little graduates — each one shining with confidence, joy, and endless potential. Congratulations to our Early Childhood champions! Your journey has just begun, and we are so proud of every step you’ve taken.