Former Marist Brothers High School students have come together to give back to their school, unveiling a new 155-metre covered walkway designed to provide students with shelter and comfort.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, a member of the Class of 1984, Solo Mara, says their group, which consisted of 155 members, when they left in 1984, decided to gift the school a covered walkway.
He says this project aims to provide shade and protection for students during rainy and hot weather, making it easier for them to move around and study outdoors.
Mara says the walkway, valued at $180,000, was made possible through the collective efforts of the Marist Brothers All Boys Association in Fiji and worldwide.
He says while the Class of 1984 led the project, it was a collaborative effort involving former students across different years.
He adds it is a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Marist Brothers, who left their homes to educate young boys here in Fiji.
When asked about the challenges, Mara says the construction, which was initially planned to be completed in two months, faced delays due to weather conditions and supply chain issues, particularly with timber.
He says, however after six months of dedication and support from RF Math Engineering Corp, the project finally became a reality.
The former student says the walkway is expected to benefit around 800 students at the school, providing not just convenience but also inspiration for future generations.
Mara hopes this effort will encourage other alumni groups to step forward and support much-needed repairs and maintenance at the school.
Among the students celebrating the new walkway was 16-year-old Elisara Gale from Samoa, who says they used to sit in the sun for a long time, so having this new walkway is something they are really grateful for.
He says the walkway would help students focus better, especially during exams.
Gale encourages his fellow friends to take inspiration from the initiative.
