‘A Day Of Remembrance’

More than 500 students of International School Suva (ISS), former students, and alumni gathered at the Laucala Beach-based institution on Friday on its Golden Jubilee celebration to mark its 50th year.

The chief guest was one of its own - Ragigia Dawai, Fiji Red Cross Society director-general.

“I started at ISS in 1985 in Class One and I vividly remember my first few years here, surrounded by diverse faces and strange accents,” Ms Dawai said.

“It was a new experience that sparked my curiosity and as times passed, I grew accustomed to this beautiful tapestry of cultures in this school I was in for 12 years.

“Today, as I stand before you as the chief guest, I cannot help but be filled with a profound sense of nostalgia and gratitude.

“Looking back, I now realise that my father’s decision to enrol me in this school was a wise one. He saw its potential to groom me for the journey of life that lay ahead. And I have him and my beloved mother and family to thank for the 12 years of education at International.”

Ms Dawai said after school, life took her to the tourism industry, banking and telecommunications sectors, exposing her to diverse markets and culture from around the world.

So, as the director-general of the Fiji Red Cross Society, Ms Dawai found herself communicating with people from 192 countries and she acknowledged the school for their contribution towards her success.

“The relationship building skills that I learnt at this very school has proven invaluable in my career and personal life,” she said.

Meanwhile, the celebration started with a traditional ceremony performed by students.

The event included some former students who travelled from abroad. They were fed with entertainments such as dances, songs and meke, art and craft displays and senior students presented a special mat (ai coco) that they weaved with assistance of teachers to the school as gift for the celebration.

Event co-ordinator and teacher Milika Waqainabete said the celebration was for the alumni of ISS.

“This is for all the old scholars and their contribution to whatever community or society they are living in, both here and abroad,” she said.

“Our alumni will be celebrated as world class citizens and life-long learners,” she said.

The event ended with a gala dinner at the school’s multi-purpose hall.

Story By: Ana Masere

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