Adi Cakobau School has kicked off its 75th anniversary celebrations with several events planned to commemorate this milestone occasion for the learning institute.
From September 30 to October 8, the Adi Cakobau School Old Girls (ACSOG) Incorporated has planned out events and activities which fall under the theme “ACSOG Sisterhood: Visionary, Resilient, Transcendent”.
According to ACSOG president Ilisapeci Movono, the nine-day celebration is to support indigenous feminism by showcasing the unity and strength of indigenous women as they pursued leadership and empowerment.
“The ACS75 celebrations revolve around sisterhood as more than just camaraderie, it signifies a collective spirit among indigenous women characterised by supportiveness, resilience, and empowerment,” Mrs Movono said.
“Despite having left school many years ago, many of these women continue to support the school through the resourcing of special projects and capital works as well as playing a major role in the delivery of the school’s unique programs.
“This anniversary is a celebration of the school’s legacy, but it also gives us an opportunity as stakeholders of the school to reconnect and assess how we can continue to play the role of being the major support system to this institution.
“Indigenous women face some unique challenges, and we hope that by celebrating the achievements and documenting the stories of our matua — our older members — we can share their wisdom and hopefully inspire younger members of the ACS family to rise to help address challenges in our region.”
On Saturday, a function was held at Borron House to mark the start of celebrations.
Chief guest Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said over the past 75 years generations of women had walked the halls of ACS and the school had produced some of Fiji’s most outstanding and accomplished citizens.
“These generations of women or the Sparkling Diamonds, I am told, have paved the way for 75 years of women whose sole focus after leaving the gates of ACS is to leave the world better than they have found it,” he said.
“Whether it is in the development works of their villages, towns or in the halls of power of our country, the matua deserves accolades and recognition because it is they who have set the high standards that many others aspire to emulate.”
Mr Gavoka said ACS had not just nurtured women in politics, but also diplomats, career civil servants, doctors, teachers and businesswomen.
“ACS has produced women in all walks of life, those that have forged careers outside the home and those that have stayed home and raised their families. Many of you amazing women are credited with raising the next generation of leaders in their own fields.”
As part of the ACS75 week, the following activities will be held: church services, social gatherings, visits to rural women’s economic empowerment projects, sports day, intergenerational talanoa on health, business, and community affairs, visit with women in defence, quiz night, charity fundraiser, and a traditional solevu ceremony.
