Pioneer ACS Student Dedicates Achievements to School
I had not expected such a huge turnout, but I am pleased that so many women joined in the celebrations: ACS Old Girls Association president
Retired medical officer Dr Laisa Naivalulevu, 81, is the oldest alumni member of Adi Cakobau School (ACS) to participate in a march which took place from the Suva Flea Market to Albert Park yesterday.
The march was to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the school. Ms Naivalulevu is considered one of the pioneering former students who had joined the institution when she was 11.
“When the school first opened in 1948, there were 62 of us, so we were the pioneers,” she said.
“I left the school at 1958 and joined medical school after that.” Originally from Tawake Saqani Cakaudrove, Ms Naivalulevu dedicates many of her life’s achievements to her time at Adi Cakobau School.
“I must say for me it was a blessing,” she said.
“We came from villages, we didn’t speak English, so we were taught everything.
“We were taught how to eat with forks and knives and how to use handkerchiefs. They even taught us how to bath using soap and face cloth,” she said.
“So I am happy to be here as the school celebrates its platinum jubilee anniversary,” she added. The rainfall yesterday morning made things difficult for the event, but it did not dampen the spirit of those marching. President of the ACS Old Girls Association Ilisapeci Movono said: “We made a decision to cancel the march which was a reasonable thing to do considering the weather, but when things improved a little we decided to go ahead with it. “I had not expected such a huge turnout, but I am pleased that so many women joined in the celebrations.” Edited by Jonathan Bryce
We were taught how to eat with forks and knives and how to use handkerchiefs. They even taught us how to bath using soap and face cloth. So I am happy to be here as the school celebrates its platinum jubilee anniversary Dr Laisa Naivalulevu Former Adi Cakobau School student