EVERY one of us has a part to play in the holistic education and development of every child.
– Salote Maiwiriwiri, Principal, LDS Church College
LOCATED in the Tamavua hills with a great ocean view, the Fiji Latter-day Saints Church College has since 1976 provided a safe and friendly learning environment to the young people of Fiji. The college last week celebrated its 40th anniversary.
“Our celebration marks the strong holistic education endeavours that each of us have contributed in the past 40 years from the humble beginnings of the Fiji Technical College to the current Fiji LDS Church College,” Sister Salote Maiwiriwiri said.
She commended the parents and guardians for the support provided to the students, the church leaders for their spiritual guidance, teachers for their academic expertise to enhance the students development, the support staff in ensuring the school operated and their alumni which is their hope for the future of the students.
History
Nestled in the heights of Tamavua overlooking Laucala Bay, lies the Fiji LDS Church College which today caters for 387 students and 22 teachers. The school facility was occupied for the first time in May 1976, however, the official opening and dedication of the buildings was held on July 11, 1976.
Church leaders such as Ebbie Davis, president of the Fiji Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Josefa Sokia were instrumental in seeking approval from the Church education board.
The school was originally known as the Fiji LDS Technical College because of the emphasis on vocational education.
Courses offered then were commercial studies for girls, automotive engineering, carpentry, welding and cabinet making.
These courses were phased out and replaced by academic subjects offered by the Ministry of Education. However, the name of the school changed in 2000 to its current name.
School purpose
The school is fully funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints with the primary objective to help youth and young adults understand and rely on the teachings and atonement of Jesus Christ, qualify for the blessings of the temple and prepare themselves, their families and others for eternal life with their Father in heaven.
“The school is fully funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints (LDS), therefore enrolment is for LDS students,” Ms Maiwiriwiri said. The school offers seminary classes to students of Years 10-13 to help prepare themselves and their families for the future.
The journey of Saints
The college has had many successful students of great attributes. It was a journey that was and is still going strong and the alumni, students and teachers feel proud of the many opportunities that were and are still given to them to stand out and shine in their own various ways.
Darshana Gounder, a 2015 graduate, said the college was one of the best schools because they not only learned academically, socially, emotionally and physically but most importantly spiritually.
Meerari Bokai, a Year 11 science student, said coming all the way from Kiribati to study in this school had been a thrilling journey.
“I came here to improve my English speaking skills. With the help of my English teachers and close friends, I have come to a stage where I am able to communicate better in the English language.”
Former scholar and teacher Brother Vito Qaqa said the learning environment had changed a lot and it was quite exciting.
Another teacher Brother Ernest Vitinavulagi recalls his days as an athlete more than as a student.
He was actively engaged in rugby and other activities that the school planned.
“This school was the top technical school,” Mr Vitinavulagi said.
Academic subjects
Fiji LDS Church College offers academic subjects which are prepared by the Ministry of Education curriculum development unit (CDU).
In addition, the students are also exposed to optional technical studies including carpentry, welding and fabrication, automotive and cookery.
The school had piloted a rocket stove project, initiated by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation in 2015 where about 30 students had the opportunity to make such stoves. The students were recognised for their efforts when they were awarded certificates.
Extracurricular activities
The school also encourages students to take part in extracurricular activities such as sports, talent shows, public speaking, performing arts, music, catering and volunteer.
The activities, according to the Principal’s Action Council, prepare the students with ethics, skills and knowledge that would allow them to have a positive influence in their own communities.
The school even had its name engraved on the prestigious Deans trophy which is now displayed at the Fiji Museum in Suva.
This was after the under-19 rugby team won the Deans title in 1986.
Martha Johansson, 14, a student of the school, was the winner of the 2015 Kaila! Star Search Competition which The Fiji Times proudly sponsors.
A recognition award was given to Sister Livia Dulaki during this year’s National Schools Swimming Association.
Patrick Bower, president of National Schools Swimming Association, said this was in recognition of the special initiative Ms Dulaki took to proactively administer first aid to an injured swimmer and for taking over the responsibilities of announcing on the evening of the final day of competition.
40th anniversary celebrations
The school celebrated its 40th birthday in style for a week beginning with a commemorative devotion on Sunday July 10.
On its actual birthday on July 11, students of the college released 400 red ballons into the air at the school ground in Tamavua signifying 40 years of its existence.
Ms Maiwiriwiri said the current students had come up with the idea of how they would commemorate the school’s birthday. She said inside the ballons were pieces of paper which had the experiences of the students that have blessed their lives and families. She said the balloon colour being red was because the 40th anniversary is Ruby which is red.
Meanwhile, while congratulating the school, director of Pacific Church Schools Seminaries and Institutes of Religion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said over the years they had seen many who had come through the school system at LDS whose lives reflected the blessings of being taught by dedicated faithful teachers in an environment of love and the spirit of God.
