Each of the 20 schools participating in this year's Tadra Kahani "The Dream Story Stage Show" received good news today from the organizers, Communications Fiji Limited (CFL) and the major sponsors TFL, at the launch of the event.
CFL Managing Director William Parkinson said there will be a significant increase in the grants and prizes and this will help make the event more competitive, bigger and stronger.
"With the increase in the number of schools and the generous support of the TFL group, we have been able to increase grants to schools. Previously we had given $500 as a development plan to each school. This year we’re doubling that and we’re giving $1000 to each school to help you with the event. There’ll be extra cash prizes so there’ll be a total of $7500 in cash prizes to give out on the night. The junior and senior division winners cash prizes have doubled this year. For junior’s it’s going from $750 to $1500 and for seniors it’s going from $1000 to $2000."
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TFL Sales and Marketing Manager Ian Lyons, who launched Tadra Kahani 2008 today, said children are very important in today's world.
A total of $29,000 in grants and cash prizes will be handed out this year to the students.
The Tadra Kahani will this year be held on three consecutive nights and this will be on the 13th of August for the Junior Division heats, the 14th of August for the Senior heats and the 15th of August for both the Junior and Senior Division finals.
Schools Prepare for Tadra Kahani
Turtles, Technology and hard work will be the order of the day when Tadra Kahani 2008 rolls around from August 13 – 15, 2008.
Newcomers, Cuvu Secondary School of Nadroga have the theme "Changes in Education" and school representative Drew Slatter said more than 50 students are set to take part in this year's Tadra Kahani with preparations are well underway.
"You’ve got changes in education and the difference between higher and lower education. They’re going pretty good. Every Saturday from now until the end of the term belongs to our school. Roughly 60 or 70 (students are taking part). This is our first time so we’re not exactly that experienced but it’s going pretty well. I’m nervous but I’m excited. Just hope that this will shed some light on our school and get the kids up on stage." Drew Slatter
Meanwhile, Nasinu based school, Rishikul Sanatan College believes that Tadra Kahani is all about developing confidence and exposing their talents.
A college prefect and a participant of Tadra Kahani, Stella Vadei said they are aware of the level of competition in Tadra Kahani.
"Just the students who are willing to take part – more participants than previous years. Just a bit of hassles about trying to control the students but apart from that everything is okay. Our theme is basically based on youth of today - hassles from other schools and pressure. We hope to develop self confidence." Stella Vadei
Apart from pressure, experienced Suva youngsters, Veiuto Primary School cannot wait to take the stage and school representative Benjamin Waqa said their competitors should watch out as Veiuto will be up for the challenge.
Waqa also said their theme is all about advancement.
"'My Language, My Prosperity'. We believe if we use our language, we could be like some countries like Japan, China and Korea because of their advance in technology. Some instructors from the Oceania Dance Group are helping us prepare and we’re doing really well. Watch out, we’re coming!" Benjamin Waqa.
Tadra Kahani will start on the 13th of August.
Schools Share Themes
First timers in the Junior Division, Nakelo District School has chosen to go marine this year and school rep Glynis Ann said their school has an important message for everyone.
"Threats in the underwater world; let’s protect our turtles” because turtles are an endangered species and we feel that it is our duty to tell the whole of Fiji and the rest of the world that it is time to protect the turtles." Glynis Ann
Junior Division defending champions, Draiba Fijian School's Tevita Tavisa said their theme centres on today.
Newcomers International Primary School Suva school rep Sonia Sharma said there will be a big contribution from everyone.
"It’s going to take a lot of hard work and just hope we can win." Sonia Sharma.
Each of the 20 schools participating in this year's Tadra Kahani "The Dream Story Stage Show" received $1,000 each from $500 last year, to help them prepare for the event. Tadra Kahani is going to kick off on the 13th of August with the finals on August 15th.
