Former students of Ballantine Memorial School, both from Fiji and abroad, took part in the Rai Ki Liu BMSOG 90th Anniversary march to the Methodist Church Headquarters to present the school's thanksgiving, or i vaka-vinavinaka, to the church in appreciation of its leadership over the years.
Silipa Rogoiruwai Senikuruciri, Secretary of the BMSOG Organising Committee, highlighted that the celebration began with a church service held at the Centenary Church yesterday and followed up with a march to honour the vision of Ballantine Memorial School’s founder, who was dedicated to educating iTaukei girls.
Senikuruciri says this vision has had a lasting impact, improving educational opportunities for Fijian women.
The celebrations will continue with a dinner at the Bowling Club from 6pm to 11pm tonight.
Other events include a visit to the school tomorrow at 10am, followed by an island-themed night at Albert Park from 6pm to 11pm.
At 9am Wednesday, the BMSOG will travel to Ba for a cemetery clean-up honouring Mary Ballantine, Hannah Dudley, and Reverand Charles Oswald Lelean, which will be followed by a church service at Mary Ballantine Church in Nailaga, Ba.
The group will return to Suva on Thursday for a Fiji Night at Studio 6 from 5pm to 11pm, followed by a cocktail and grand ball at GPH on Friday from 5pm to 11pm.
The week will conclude with an AGM at FTA Hall on Saturday from 1pm to 5pm, and a Vakacirisalusalu celebration at the Bowling Club from 6pm to midnight.
The week-long celebration will end with a Thanksgiving Church Service at the school chapel on Sunday at 3pm.
BMS was founded in 1919, one year after the passing of its founder.
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