O Ratou na Veitavaleni - The Three Cousins

'O Ratou na Veitavaleni - The Three Cousins' is a Fiji Children's book written entirely in Fijian for children aged 8 years old. Written by the late Mrs. Tuipulotu Vugakoto, from RFTA - Retired Fijian Teachers Association, with illustrations by Anare Somumu. It has 17 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.

O Ratou na Veitavaleni Book Description

Ilaisa and Isikeli are brothers. As Alena, their cousin, walks past them on their way to school; the boys easily notice the sweet fragrance of the oil Alena used that morning. So they ask Alena if they can be given the same strong scented oil.

When Alena comes home, she tells her mother, Mereseini, of the boys’ request. The next day, Saturday, the three watch as Alena’s mother, Mereseini, shows the different processes used in preparing a “makosoi” scented coconut oil. The boys are given a bottle of the makosoi scented oil and they are grateful to their aunt and cousin.

Strengthening of relationships (cross cousins & nephews and their paternal aunt), passing of Indigenous knowledge to the young generation, sharing of knowledge and resources are some values that we learn from this story.

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 Tuipulotu Bulivou Vugakoto

From Tubou, Lakeba in Lau. She taught in many primary and secondary schools around Fiji. When she retired in 2000 she was the Senior Education Officer (Fijian language) in the Curriculum Development Unit of the Ministry of Education. After retirement, she continued helping children with their reading in both Fijian and English. In her final five years she joined the Institute of Indigenous Studies where she continued to write short stories for primary schools and played a key role in the promoting of language, culture and heritage issues. She obtained a B.A degree from USP.