LDS Church College of Fiji

06 Oct 2013

Bula Vinaka! (a hearty hello)

After the intense 10 days with Brother Millar, the rest of the week has seemed quiet. So I want to take the time to talk a little about the school and the people.

As I’ve said before, the campus is beautiful. The buildings are modern, except no AC. Most, if not all, of the teachers and the students would not have AC at home and would be uncomfortable if an AC unit were running. The administration building, where our office is, is air conditioned, and we do enjoy that! The grounds are immaculate. The ground is covered with grass and surrounded with beautiful shrubbery and flowers. All walkways are covered, so even when raining you can move around comfortably.

In our areas of vocational courses, the facilities and equipment are not as updated nor of the quality that we would desire. Several years ago the school name was LDS Technical College. It was recognized as the best vocational school in the country. Then, as wise men usually do, it was decided that our emphasis should be to prepare our students to continue their education at institutions of higher learning – BYU-Hawaii primarily. The vocational courses were de-emphasized.

As a result, as it is mostly in the states, about 20% of our students continue their education and 80% return to their homes and villages basically unprepared for employment and continue in the traditions of their fathers!

After we received our call, we were told that we would be involved in exciting changes. From what we see as the norm this year, which is to end in November, only a few students are enrolled in a TVET curriculum. Next year, every student will have to take at least one TVET curriculum – not just a course, but the entire program throughout their 4 or 5 years. Upon completion, they can receive not only a diploma for academic achievement, but will be granted also a Vocational Certificate level II. Then if a university education is not in their plans, they can be somewhat employable, or continue their vocational training at one of the local colleges, universities or a vocational schools for one or two years and come out with a Certificate III or IV. Which is like being an apprentice or a tradesman. This is what the church is doing in all their schools throughout the South Pacific.

The most enjoyable part of the school is the people! Never have I walked around any campus, where all you hear is laughter! Everyone speaks to you and will stop and converse with you. Even in the crowded lunch line, you hear nothing but laughter and pleasant interactions. This is somewhat true throughout the community, except of course, the taxi drivers!

On Friday, the students presented an assembly for “Teacher Appreciation Day”.  They had filmstrips; presentations of each faculty, administration person and us; special musical numbers by both students and faculty members.  The highlight of the program was the women teachers dancing to a love song performed by three of the men.  The students gave each of us a gift…..  The whole program was fun and laughter! Then after the program we, the faculty, were treated with tables full of pastries, cakes, fruits, and drinks – a fun day! These people make it hard to lose weight!!!!!

Another excitement this week was – the temple re-opened on Wednesday. We attended a session Thursday afternoon. Friday, after we left the school, we went to the mission office, which is on the same site as the temple. While attending to matters there, a call came in from the temple asking for a couple to be the witness couple, we “volunteered”. We quickly walked across the parking lot to the temple and were provided with clothing (some that didn’t exactly fit), dressed and rushed into the endowment room, with about 5 men and 8 women – no married couples – waiting for us! So we did our second session of the week, being the witness couple both times! That will probably be the norm.

When we arrived home Friday evening, the apartment was dark – no electricity! The landlady possibly neglected to pay the final electric bill after moving out! When contacted, she was going to have her brother right over to correct the problem. Finally, it would be resolved at 7:00AM Saturday. We finally did get power Saturday evening about 8:00. All is well that ends well!