Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy and a member of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited his alma mater in Fiji this week.
45 years ago, Elder Wakolo, as an 11-year-old boy, enrolled at Ratu Kadavulevu School.
Coming home to his former school this week was a “great feeling,” and he said he still remembered his classrooms. “Those classrooms, in my mind, have not changed, but I have.”
This year the school is celebrating its centennial, and this week, Elder Wakolo, the Minister of Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, and other guests were in attendance to officially open three refurbished dormitories which had been damaged by fire.
Elder Wakolo said that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worked with the school and the Ministry of Education on the rebuilding project because, “We are all sons and daughters of God, hence in the language of Heaven we are brothers and sisters. The Saviour Jesus Christ demonstrated how that is done, He gave His life for all of us.”
He said that “education is one of our religious responsibilities.” Quoting scripture, Elder Wakolo said that the Lord commands us to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”
Elder Wakolo expressed gratitude for the organisations and individuals that made the refurbishment of the dormitories possible.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is deeply grateful for the strong partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the school’s PTA, the Old Boys Association, and all contributors involved in the project.”
He said that “the impact of this project is multi-generational, as renovations will benefit 280 students annually, providing a safer, healthier, and more comfortable living environment that supports their learning.”
Hon. Radrodro expressed deep honour in being present for the commissioning of the refurbished dormitories, Ma’afu, Cakau, and Degei.
The Minister also extended gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its support.
Commemorative plaque at school in Fiji
© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“The successful completion of the dormitory blocks was made possible through the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals and organisations. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their generous contribution,” Hon. Radrodro said.
In his remarks to students, Elder Wakolo said, “We wish the Year 13 students the very best. As you strive to be your best, never forget whose strong shoulders you are standing on. Be in the world, but not of the world. Go climb the ladder, keep climbing. Yes, you can look down, but never look down on others.”
Speaking to the school’s leaders and teachers, Elder Wakolo said, “In the book of Mormon: Another testament of Jesus Christ, a King said this, ‘Ye may learn wisdom, ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.’”
The Church also donated sporting equipment to the school community.
“As part of this project,” Elder Wakolo said, “the Church is pleased to donate sporting equipment to Ratu Kadavulevu School. This gift reflects our desire to not only support the academic and living conditions of the students but also to contribute to their physical well-being and extracurricular development.”
Referring to this week’s 100th birthday of Russell M. Nelson, President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Wakolo said, “President Nelson invited us as a gift [for his birthday] to follow the Saviour by reaching out to ‘the one’ in need or who needs help, and to spread the love of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”
Elder Wakolo added, “We wish President Nelson a Happy 100th birthday, as I say, ‘We thank Thee O God for a Prophet.’ So today, in Fiji, with his invitation, the Church’s “one” is Ratu Kadavulevu School.”
“The Church is committed to nurturing these relationships in ways that benefit the students' holistic development and creating lasting memories and bonds.”