PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA'S ADDRESS AT THE MONFORT BOYS TOWN (SAVUSAVU)

Members of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel,
The Principal,
Teachers and staff,
Parents and guardians,
Ladies and gentlemen,
And most importantly, our graduating students

Good morning to you all.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we gather today, Valelevu e Navesi, vua na Turaga na Tui Wailevu.

I pay my respects to their Chiefs - past, present, and emerging - and to the members of the Vanua.

It is an honour to be here today at Montfort Technical Institute to celebrate this important achievement in the lives of our young graduates.

Today is more than a ceremony. It is a celebration of hard work, discipline, second chances, and the belief that every young person deserves an opportunity to excel in life.

Montfort Technical Institute has a long and meaningful history.

Established by the Government of Fiji through the Ministry of Education, and supported by the People’s Republic of China, this Institute was created to nurture young people who needed a pathway to a desired future.

The administration was entrusted to the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel in 1995, and ever since, this place has been a home of learning, discipline, and transformation.

On 19 March 1996, this Institute was blessed by His Grace the late Archbishop Petero Mataca.

Later that same year, on 7 November 1996, it was officially inaugurated by His Excellency the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the President of Fiji.

Since that day, Montfort became more than a school - it became a community of care, skill-building, and fountain of hope for youths across Fiji.

What makes Montfort special is its mission. This Institute supports poor and vulnerable boys and girls from all backgrounds - Christian, Hindu, Muslim from every corner of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, and even Viti Levu.

Today, Montfort continues to uphold this inclusive vision. Of the 111 students currently enrolled, we have both boys and girls.

The boys reside here, while the girls attend as day scholars. They study, work, pray, and grow together, learning the value of respect, teamwork and unity.

Montfort provides two important kinds of training. First is home training - where students learn discipline, character development, personal responsibility, and social skills.

They learn to live and work together as one family, respecting each other’s differences. Second is vocational training - where students receive practical skills that can help them earn a living and support their families.

These skills include cabinet making, motor vehicle mechanics, panel beating, carpentry, plumbing, block laying, and agriculture. Students also learn farming - fish, cattle, sheep, ducks, goats, poultry, and crop plantation.

These are lifelong skills, that build nations.

This year, 44 students will graduate and soon sit for the FNU Class 3 Trade Test. To our graduates - I want to say how proud I am of you.

You are change-makers, community builders, and symbols of what is possible when education is inclusive, accessible, and practical.

You remind us that technical and vocational training is not a fallback option. It is a powerful pathway to employment, to entrepreneurship, to creativity, to a better Fiji.

This is why the Government of Fiji is committed to supporting vocational institutions like Montfort Boys Town.

You are not only training students - but you are also helping address real national challenges such as unemployment, skills shortages, social exclusion, and poverty.

Every student who graduates from this Institute represents not only personal achievement, but also family stability, restored dignity, and a stronger, more resilient Fiji.

We hear your stories. We see your hard work. And we know that the skills you gain here will open doors throughout your lives.

To our graduates, I urge you to remain committed to lifelong learning. Never stop improving your skills. Be honest, humble, and hardworking.

Carry the values you learned here - respect, discipline and unity - into every workplace and every community you will be part of.

Before I conclude, I want to thank the Montfort Brothers, the teachers, staff, and leadership of this Institute.

Your dedication, your patience, and your belief in these young people is truly inspiring. Fiji is stronger because of the work you do.

Congratulations once again to the graduating class of 2025.

May God bless you, your families, and the Montfort Technical Institute.

Vinaka vakalevu.