Bridging the Digital Gap: Star of the Sea Empowering Fiji’s Young Learners, One Laptop at a Time

Across the scattered islands of the Pacific, geography and limited resources often make access to quality education uneven for young students. While some schools enjoy the benefits of modern technology, others struggle with outdated or insufficient equipment - leaving many students at a disadvantage in today’s digital world.

Recognising this gap, the Star of the Sea Province, with immense support from its partners and Marist networks, has launched a major initiative to help bridge the digital divide - particularly in Fiji.

Their latest effort, a large-scale laptop drive, aims to equip young learners in Fiji with quality laptops, giving them the tools they need to learn, explore, and grow in an increasingly digital world.

Earlier this month, the Diocese of Sale in Victoria, Australia, joined hands with key Marist partners to make this vision a reality. Shane Doyle, General Manager of Information and Technology for the Diocese of Sale; Br Tony Clark, Mission Development Facilitator; Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education; and Richard Chow, a proud Fiji Marist Old Boy and entrepreneur from the Freshet Group, came together to hand over 100 laptops - each equipped with Windows 11 licences - to Marist schools throughout Fiji.

The laptops in the newly renovated computer lab at the Hostel. The Lab is named "Lavalla" by Br Anitelea Fidow.

Richard personally arranged for the laptops to be transported from Victoria to Suva free of charge, while Fineland Investments (Flagstaff Plaza) stepped in to fund upgrades for several of the machines.

The initiative began with a simple conversation between Manoa Naulumatua, Hostel Warden at Ratu Mara Hostel, and Br John Hazelman, former Provincial Delegate to Pasifika and now General Councillor. Manoa shared the need for more computers to support hostel students in their research and study - at the time, only two desktop computers were available for over 100 boys at Ratu Mara Hostel.

Michael Kumar (Head Teacher at Marist Brothers Primary School Suva St) with the Chair of the Fiji Marist Champagnat Education Board Bill Mar

This conversation sparked a determined effort to source modern, high-quality laptops for Marist schools and hostels across Fiji. The initiative was coordinated through the Champagnat Marist Education Board (CMEB), chaired by Bill Marr, with the support of Pauline Navuku, Administrator of the Fiji Marist Education Board.

A simple handover ceremony was held at Ratu Mara Hostel, Flagstaff, Suva, where the newly renovated computer lab - funded by the Province - was officially opened. The lab was named Lavalla by Br Anitelea Fidow, Acting Hostel Warden.

The 100 laptops will be distributed as follows:

·       20 laptops for Ratu Mara Hostel

·       15 for Marist Brothers High School (MBHS)

·       25 for Marist Brothers Primary School, Suva Street

·       25 for St Marcellin Primary School

·       15 for the Marist Champagnat Institute

Lawrence Tikaram (President of the Marist Rugby Club) with Etu (Marist Sports Media)

Marist Brothers High School Principal, Asish Dayal, described feeling “blessed” by the initiative, “Technology is essential in today’s classrooms, but more importantly, it’s about empowering students to use it responsibly and creatively. We encourage our students to appreciate and care for these tools as part of their growth as Marist learners.”

Similarly, Michael Kumar, Principal of Marist Brothers Primary School, has long championed digital learning and believes the initiative aligns perfectly with the Fiji Ministry of Education’s vision of connecting all schools by 2030.

But the Province’s mission to empower young people doesn’t stop at technology. Later this year, the Ratu Mara Hostel Renovation Project will begin - supported by the Star of the Sea Province through Australia Marist Solidarity (AMS), with additional contributions from Fineland Investments.

The happy students at the lab with their laptops

The renovation aims to provide safer, more comfortable accommodation for students who stay in the hostel during the school year.

“Our Province is very diverse - some countries have more resources, and some could do with a bit of assistance,” said Br John. “Being part of this larger Marist family enables us to reach out and support one another. After all, the spirit that runs through our Province is the same Marian one. We are guided by the pillars of Simplicity, Presence, Family Spirit, Love of Work, and In the Way of Mary. Together, we can strengthen our schools and uphold the Marist tradition of excellence, service, and community.”