Fiji’s educational landscape is undergoing a significant evolution, and a pivotal moment from 1996 continues to resonate today. As the nation grapples with a longstanding preference for white-collar education, a progressive initiative took shape in the North with the establishment of the Montfort Technical Institute in Savusavu. This groundbreaking step was highlighted on May 6, 1996, when The Fiji Times reported that the institute would break from tradition by enrolling female students, marking the first time an institution, historically viewed as an all-boys school, would welcome women.
This innovative move eliminated the need for school leavers in the North to travel to Viti Levu to access technical courses previously offered exclusively by the Fiji Institute of Technology. Although the institute had not officially opened, it successfully enrolled 24 students by then, indicating strong interest in technical education among the youth.
Founded under the guidance of the late Archbishop Petero Mataca, the Montfort Technical Institute was managed by two Christian Brothers from Kerala, India, affiliated with the Brothers of Saint Gabriel, who also operated Montfort Boys Town near Suva. The assistant principal, Brother Varghese Kallely, emphasized the significance of the school’s name change to reflect the inclusion of female students, dispelling critiques about the brotherhood’s previous all-male status.
Two girls were quick to enroll, embarking on studies in cabinetmaking alongside their male counterparts who were focused on agricultural technology. The students engaged in hands-on learning by planting thousands of pine, dalo, and yaqona plants, developing animal husbandry units, and exploring innovative practices like fishponds, biogas, and sustainable farming—initiatives that were visionary for their time.
Brother Varghese held a firm belief that empowering motivated youth with the right skills and opportunities could lead to substantial community transformation. Nearly three decades later, this vision remains as pertinent as ever, showcasing the lasting impact of inclusive education on shaping a brighter future for Fiji.
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