100 laptops handed over to Marist Education Community across Fiji

100 laptops equipped with Windows 11 licences have been handed over to the Marist Education community across Fiji, a gift designed to strengthen digital learning and technological literacy among students.

The donation was made possible through the partnership of the Diocese of Sale in Victoria, Australia, and key Marist supporters including Shane Doyle, General Manager of Information and Technology, Br Tony Clark, Mission Development Facilitator, Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education and Diocese of Sale, Marist Old Boy and entrepreneur Richard Chow the Freshet Group Director and Bernard Hong Tiy, Marist Old Boy and Managing Director of Shipping Services Ltd.

The initiative originated from discussions between Manoa Naulumatua and Brother John Hazelman, and was later coordinated through the Champagnat Marist Education Board, chaired by Bill Mar with support from Pauline Navuku.

Marist Brothers High School Principal, Asish Dayal says that while technology is vital in today’s classrooms, it is equally important to empower students to use it responsibly and creatively.

He says students are being encouraged to care for the laptops as part of their growth as Marist learners.

Dayal says across Fiji, Marist schools have already begun integrating the laptops into their learning environments.

Marist Brothers Primary School Principal, Michael Kumar, who first proposed the digitisation of classrooms, says the initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education’s goal to connect all schools in Fiji by 2030.

Dayal also confirmed that the Ratu Mara Hostel renovation project is set to begin in December 2025, with completion targeted for Term 1 of the next academic year.

He says the $175,000 project is funded by the Marist Brothers Star of the Sea Province through Australia Marist Solidarity, with an additional $5,000 contribution from Fineland Investments Flagstaff Plaza.

Dayal urged all past students and parents to contribute, saying every effort, big or small, will make a lasting impact. He emphasised that transparency and accountability will guide every step of the journey.

The school head says the Marist Brothers, who have served Fiji for more than 130 years, continue to uphold their legacy of faith, education, and service and despite limited resources, their mission to nurture the next generation remains steadfast.

Dayal says their Brothers are fewer and our resources limited, but their spirit remains unshaken and as a Marist family, they are guided by the pillars of simplicity, presence, family spirit, love of work, and in the way of Mary — values that inspire them to serve with humility, work together with purpose, and nurture the next generation with faith and compassion.