In a display of international solidarity, Lifeline Community Service, a former charitable organization based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, provided significant support to the educational needs of students at Lelean Memorial School in Nausori during the 1980s.
An article published on August 24, 1984, highlighted the selfless contributions of Lifeline, which raised funds through various initiatives, notably baking and selling 1,600 cakes.
Rob Pattison, a science teacher at Lelean Memorial, expressed gratitude for Lifeline’s ongoing support, underscoring its profound impact. “The help they’ve extended to their community resonates deeply with us here in Fiji,” Mr. Pattison remarked.
Founded at Portadown College in Belfast, Lifeline primarily assisted victims of the regional conflict. Despite local challenges, Lifeline also demonstrated a commitment to global citizenship and education by extending their compassion internationally.
At that time, Fiji’s High Commissioner to Great Britain, Ratu Josua Toganivalu, visited Portadown College to personally thank Lifeline for its efforts, presenting a traditional piece of masi cloth on behalf of Lelean’s students. In exchange, he received a school plaque symbolizing the friendship and solidarity between the two educational institutions.
Mr. Pattison noted a touching moment during the visit when Ratu Josua was surprised with a traditional Fijian song. Jennifer Douglas, a teacher at Portadown College, organized the students to perform the song as a tribute to their Fijian counterparts.
Lifeline’s support was crucial in improving educational resources at Davuilevu school, providing funds for magazine subscriptions, calculators, and computer books.
Inspired by an article written by Mr. Pattison in an international teachers’ magazine, Lifeline’s students launched fundraising efforts to address specific needs at Lelean, particularly in science education. “The initial donation stemmed from their collective effort in baking and selling cakes,” Mr. Pattison explained. They have since organized multiple fundraising activities, including an upcoming walk-a-thon, to continue supporting the school.