Outrigger Fiji’s executive chef cooks up a playground surprise for Kindy Kids in 2018

RELEASE NUMBER 14|18

CORAL COAST, FIJI – Pre-school children in a remote Fijian village have had a joyous start to the school year with the completion of a kindergarten brand-new playground thanks to Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and its executive chef, Shailesh Naidu.

Outrigger’s association with the Nadrala Sangam School in the Sigatoka Valley began when Chef Naidu, a former pupil, was invited to attend its annual prefects’ induction.

“I could see they were trying their best to build a kindergarten but were struggling with finance. They needed this kindergarten as local pre-school kids had to walk a very long way to attend one.

“I approached the resort general manager, Peter Hopgood, to discuss assistance in completing it and with strong support from the Nadrala community, Outrigger Fiji’s engineering team finished construction of the kindergarten,” Chef Naidu said.

With the kindergarten complete, the resort’s engineering team again stepped in and helped to landscape the grounds and erect a fence and playground.

The playground equipment was sourced by Shailesh’s partner, Rita, through assistance from generous friends and families living in Sydney.

The school’s head teacher, Mr. Pranil Kumar Singh, said the fencing and playground was a timely boost for the beginning of the 2018 academic year.

“Our enrollment has increased and we are thankful to Chef Naidu and the engineering team at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. These contributions are a proud moment for the community of Nadrala,” Mr. Singh said.

Mr. Hopgood said that he was very proud of Chef Naidu and his engagement with the school.

“Our culture at Outrigger Fiji is all about giving back to our local community and Chef Naidu has fully embraced this ideology,” he said.

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