The school, formerly known as LDS Technical College, was founded in 1976 and is marking the milestone with a week-long programme under the theme “50 Years of Discipleship.”
Delaibatiki says the celebrations began on Monday with an opening devotion at the school campus in Tamavua, followed by class get-togethers later that night.
He says some former students had not seen their classmates for 5, 10, 20 or even 30 years, making the reunions a significant part of the celebrations.
Today is a free day for participants, particularly the alumni who have travelled from overseas.
Tomorrow, the alumni will gather at 8.30am before marching from the Suva Flea Market to the Suva foreshore from around 9am.
Delaibatiki says a community service project will follow at the foreshore in collaboration with the Suva City Council, with activities expected to finish around 2pm.
A free public bazaar will then be held from 6pm to 11pm tomorrow, featuring alumni vendors selling different types of food, including barbecue, curries and other varieties, as well as clothing, alumni merchandise and handicrafts.
He says entertainment will also be provided by an alumna of LDS Technical College, a local artist, and her friends.
On Thursday morning, members of the church will attend a special temple session at the Fiji Temple in Samabula.
This will be followed later in the day by a cultural show at the school campus, featuring performances from alumni, their families and students from different regions in Fiji.
The cultural show will run from 6pm to 9pm, followed by a combined school dance from 9pm to 11pm, bringing together alumni and current students.
On Friday, a sports day organised by students will begin at 8.30am at the campus, with the alumni invited to join the students.
The school’s senior rugby team will then face RKS for the Te Aki Cup at 3pm at the Tamavua campus.
One of the biggest events of the week, the Golden Jubilee gala and ball, will be held on Friday evening, with alumni attending from the United States, New Zealand, Australia, other parts of the world and Fiji.
Delaibatiki says the gala and ball will feature entertainment from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band and other alumni of the school.
On Saturday, individual classes will hold their own picnics and activities before the week-long celebration concludes on Sunday with a devotional church service at 4pm at the school campus, featuring former administrators, students and alumni.
Reflecting on the school’s history, Delaibatiki says one major sporting milestone came in 1986 when the school won both the Under-18 and Under-19 Deans competitions.
He says the school also reached the finals around that period and had strong rugby and basketball teams, while several students went on to become athletes, musicians and professionals in vocational and trade industries.
Delaibatiki says the “50 Years of Discipleship” theme is centred on being a good person and making a positive contribution to society.
He says positive change begins with individuals working on themselves and making a positive impact on the people around them, which can then create a ripple effect across communities.
Delaibatiki says Fiji needs more of that positive energy, particularly as young people face different social issues.
He also urged people to make the most of every opportunity to spend time with family and friends, saying life is short and no one knows when a meeting with someone close to them could be the last.
