Marist Solidarity is appealing to our Australian networks to support our friends and neighbours in Fiji as they rebuild their communities, following the devastating category-five cyclone Winston, which hit the small South Pacific island nation at its peak on February 20.
Our partners in Fiji need our support to rebuild the severely-damaged Saint Vincent College in Natovi, in the province of Tailevu, on Fiji’s largest island Viti Levu.
Saint Vincent College was established by the Marist Fathers and Marist Sisters more than 115 years ago and is now administered by the diocese.
It is located about a two-hour drive away from the capital of Suva and caters for 220 students, including 60 boarders (35 boys and 25 girls). Students are aged between six and fourteen years old.
Many of these students’ families live on outer islands or in the interior highlands, and most struggle to pay school fees, which are less than $100 a year.
These families come to Saint Vincent, often having being turned away by other schools in the area because of their inability to pay school and boarding fees. Saint Vincent’s never turns away any child in need of education.
Since the cyclone, classes have been limited due to the extent of damage.
Despite the challenges, college teachers and students are getting on with the job of teaching and learning the best they can. Classes are being held in rooms with no walls, or wherever there is a patch of grass.
Please donate now to support our appeal and help the Saint Vincent College community rebuild their school and enable young people continue their education in a safe learning environment.