I COMMEND the learned Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy in his decision to do away with elitism in the Government-owned boarding school institutions, specifically in QVS,RKS and ACS.
But I believe that such move will not change anything because the above schools have an elite history with the backing of former scholars and parents of current students.
The three schools are Government-owned and when the principal or teachers paid by the Government make a decision on new students intake, it is deemed to be the act of the owners of the school, the Government.
Back in 1971 at Dudley Intermediate School in Suva, my first choice for Form 3 was Marist Brothers High School and Queen Victoria School was my second choice.
I was disappointed that my first choice did not accept me, so I thought of trying QVS for one year and change school after that.
But the camaraderie, the spirit of striving for excellence in all the school curriculum and the tears that rolled when we said goodbye to all the senior boys who were not coming back the following year during the end of the year house feast, changed my mind to be a Victorian all the way.
Whether the schools open up the doors to include more Muslim, Fijians of Indian descent, kailoma, Rotumans, Banabans, expatriate Fijian palagi and specifically those from our maritime islands who do not have relatives to live with on Viti Levu or whatever the criteria set out for entry into the above schools, its history and tradition will be caught on by students.
My two younger brothers followed me to QVS through their own choice and like all former boys, we want our sons to go through the same character development and school experience that we went through.
ACS old girls would like their daughters to go through the same experience they went through during their time in Sawani.
The three schools are Government-owned but it is the ex-students and teachers and their past achievements that have branded the school to be “elite”.
All schools in Fiji could be one in its own special way, making former scholars and parents want to send their sons and daughters to such schools.
