Understanding the rich history of Suva’s educational institutions deepens our appreciation of how these early religious organizations recognized the need for quality education as a pathway to spiritual enlightenment. This week, The Sunday Times team explored the legacy of Saint Anne’s, a historic all-girls primary school in Suva, which proudly celebrates 120 years of empowering Fijian women.
Founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny, a Catholic order established in France in 1807, the school’s journey began in 1888 when four sisters arrived in Suva at the request of Bishop Julian Vidal. Initially, they operated out of Mrs. Houns House, teaching just 15 students. However, their commitment to education soon led to rapid growth, necessitating further expansion.
By 1890, the sisters had moved to three small cottages on Pratt Street, where they established a boarding and day school. During their early years, they also founded another school, St. Peter and Paul’s, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral Crypt, before ultimately establishing the current St. Anne’s School building in 1932.
Over the years, the school has not only provided a nurturing environment for students but also played a significant role in producing influential leaders within Fiji. Celebrating its anniversary, the current head, Miliana Caginavanua, shared the powerful legacy of the school’s values and traditions. It was a modest beginning with a focus on providing education to the daughters of indentured laborers from British India, but today, its graduates include notable women in government, business, and law.
As the school prepared for its 200th anniversary, Mrs. Caginavanua expressed her hope that future generations would look back at St. Anne’s as a beacon of empowerment, nurturing women of integrity who understand the value of hard work. She emphasized the importance of a supportive network of parents, teachers, and alumni, stating, “Everything we do here is for the benefit of students—our girls.”
St. Anne’s is not just a school; it’s an institution that fosters a sense of community and pride, aiming to shape confident, capable young women ready to face the world.
This celebration of history serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong educational foundations that empower future generations. The enduring values of St. Anne’s continue to inspire, creating a hopeful future filled with potential for its students.
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