Jone Na Dautataro - Jone The Kind Considerate Boy

'Jone Na Dautataro - Jone The Kind Considerate Boy' is a Fiji Children's book written entirely in Fijian for children aged 6 to 8 years old. Written by the late Ratu Semi Seruvakula, from RFTA - Retired Fijian Teachers Association, with illustrations by Anare Somumu. It has 9 pages.

This book was written by Fijian teachers for teachers or parents - its intended use is in a classroom setting which is why it is A3 size with large font and bright illustrations. It can be placed on an easel in the front of the classroom and read to children who can view easily. It can also be enjoyed at home or anywhere outside of the classroom where children would want to read or hear Fijian stories.

Jone Na Dautataro Book Description

Jone is picking up breadfruit leaves near his home. Then enters Taito, an elderly member of the village. Jone invites Taito to come and have a rest in his house. Taito thanks Jone for his kind invitation but he needs to attend a village meeting. And the lali for the meeting has already been beaten. Jone thanks Taito and both tend to their tasks.

The important values captured in this short story is that of being considerate and having respect for elders. Jone displays an age-old Fijian tradition by inviting Taito (who was just passing by) to his home for a rest. Without knowing where Taito came from or where he was going, even his state of mind, Jone offers his home as a place of rest for Taito before he journeys on. Sometimes it’s a cup of tea, a bowl of kava or even a meal, whatever it is, it’s always important in Fijian culture to have awareness of those around you and offer them the best you can.

IIS, RFTA & FTA - 10 books in the series

This series of 10 books has been put together by the Institute of Indigenous Studies (IIS) Fiji Ltd, which, in the main, is made up of RFTA (retired Fijian Teachers Association- teachers who have retired from teaching). RFTA is a Branch of Fijian Teachers Association, FTA.

All IIS books in this series

• Na Keda Vuata - Our Fruits
• Na Loga Ni Voivoi Nei Bubu Salote - The Pandanus Plantation of Grandmother Salote
• Na Qoli Vonu - Catching Turtles
• Jone Na Dautataro - Jone The Kind Considerate Boy
• O Mosese Kei Viliame - Mosese & Viliame
• Na Siganisucu Nei Marica - Marica’s Birthday
• O Iratou Na Veitavaleni - The Three Cousins
• O Tomu Kei Popi - Tom & Poppy
• Na Volivolitaki Ena Makete - Selling at the Market
• Na Sisi Ni Qele - Landslide

English notes that explain the illustrations and Fijian text

Fiji Author - Late Mr. Ratu Semi Bayameyame Seruvakula

From Nasautoka in Wainibuka, he was the Turaga Sau (traditional head) of the Vanua of Nasautoka. An experienced teacher for primary and secondary schools (Principal, Queen Victoria School, 1992-94) and served as Senior Education Officer in many parts of Fiji. Senior Lecturer and Vice Principal of Nasinu Teachers College.

Because of his vast experience and expertise in Fijian customs, culture and protocol, he was given a Senior advisory role in the Ministry of Fijian Affairs in 1984. In 1987 he was approached by the Ministry of Information to produce a weekly radio programme, ‘Na Voqa ni Davui,’ where he stressed the importance of the maintenance of the proper Fijian language, customs and traditions in a quickly changing world.

His first book, ‘Bula Vakavanua’ (2000), a classic, is an authoritative book on the customs, cultures and beliefs practised in an ethnic Fijian society. His second book, ‘Na Veiwekani ni Vanua’ (2020) is about his Yavusa and Vanua of Nasautoka – its history, customs, beliefs relationships and development. He obtained a B.A degree from USP and a Diploma in the Teaching of English as a Second language [TESL] from the University of Leeds in the UK.