Adi Cakobau School OId Girls Incorporated,
Management of the Adi Cakobau School,
Parents and Guardians, Past and Present,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
As I look around, the first thing that comes to mind is how far Adi Cakobau School (ACS) has come.
I also want to add, I am not the Guest-of-Honour per se. You are, and we are here to honour you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Seventy-five years ago, Adi Cakobau School opened its gates to the first group of young girls, becoming its first students.
So please allow me to firstly acknowledge and pay tribute to The Matua – the 62 young girls who are the pioneers of what has made today possible since 1948.
You nurtured in students the values that come from your motto, ‘Leave the world better than you found it’. And I can see that this high standard vision carries on in those that have set through your classrooms.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
These generations of women or the ‘Sparkling Diamonds’ I am told, have paved the way for 75 years of women whose sole focus after leaving the gates of ACS is to leave the world better than they have found it.
Whether it is in the development works of their villages, towns or in the halls of power of our country, The Matua deserve accolades and recognition because it is they who have set the high standards that many others aspire to emulate.
From daughters, you have become wives, mothers, grandmothers and even great-grandmothers. Generations of women in families have walked the halls of ACS and produced some of our most outstanding and accomplished citizens.
The sisterhood, the strong ties you form I know don’t end when you leave the gates. I see it very strongly today.
I am proud to say, we have two very strong women in Parliament today, who were educated in ACS – the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon Lynda Tabua and the Assistant Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon Alitia Bainivalu.
Even they carry unbreakable pride for this institution and continuously champion the cause for women.
But not only women in politics – ACS has nurtured diplomats, careered civil servants, doctors, teachers, businesswomen – all of whom have contributed to this institution and our nation.
ACS has produced women in all walks of life, those that have forged careers outside the home and those that have stayed home and raised their families. Many of you amazing women are credited with raising the next generation of leaders in their own fields.
As we honor the rich legacy of ACS, we recognise the achievements of many past pupils and their impact in shaping our nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You should all take great pride in the rich history and the legacy these women have left for the generations of students to come.
You have embarked on a journey to provide quality education and shape the minds and hearts of countless students. As an institution, your founding values and principles have stood the test of time. When the current students and faculty leave, you will see the next generation move forward to carry on your legacy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Adi Cakobau School’s influence extends beyond producing exemplary graduates; it has been instrumental in elevating indigenous women’s leadership throughout Fiji.
So, I see no better way than to honor the pioneer students and senior old scholars – lovingly referred to as the Matua.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is therefore my pleasure to launch The Matua Project, a digital story telling tribute that documents the work, the achievements and more importantly, the sacrifices and wisdom of The Matua of the ACSOG.
I am confident this will inspire the next generation.
I am also honoured to launch a few other initiatives:
The Adi Cakobau School Old Girls Association website: acsog.org; and
The website for the school itself: adicakobauschool.com
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To conclude, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude towards all branches of ACSOG across the world whose valuable partnership with the Government of Fiji has contribution to the operations of the school over several decades.
I also acknowledge the significant contribution that ACSOG continues to make, including the Solevu later this week which will be invested in urgent repairs at the school.
This year’s anniversary is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teachers, students and guardians who have contributed to the success of ACS.
Continue to build on the strong foundation laid by the Matua and strive for excellence for a brighter future for ACS and the generations to come.
I am certain that the next celebration will be the 100 years, centennial event, which the ACSOG will commemorate with renewed enthusiasm and pride.
Thank you for the honour of launching the 75th Anniversary Celebrations of Adi Cakobau School.
Wishing you all the best in your celebrations and God bless.
Vinaka.