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EXTRACT FROM THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION HON TAUFA VAKATALE'S
SPEECH AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE CHAPELFUNDRAISING 1994
The
Chapel, I believe, is not only intended to cater for the school's
increasing population but should provide a center for learning
and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings.
It
is hoped that the physical presence of a place of worship
would inspire spiritual growth, and that more emphasis will
be placed on human values and the building of character. With
the presence of the chaplain, it is envisaged that the chapel
will become a centre for mediation and a place where spiritual
life can be renewed consequently, leading to the promotion
of moral education as an integral component of the school
curriculum.
The
teaching of values to our youngsters is based on their social
and religious background. Different cultures have different
approaches to the teaching of values and ethics but they are
all means towards the same ends, developing the potential
of individuals, holistically and in an integrated manner,
so that their development is intellectually .spiritually,
emotionally and physically balanced and harmonious..
It
is also appreciated that the education in religion values
in a proper setting of a chapel can serve the purpose of individual
and societal "Potential For Good" such as obedience
to authority, acceptance of injustice in life through faith
in the afterlife, belief in hard work and tolerance of other
people.
The
school was always self-sufficient, and self help building
project taught the RKS boys to be independent and practical,
Today, I am asking each one of you to rely on no one for those
needed funds but to stand firmly together and commit yourselves
to renew that wonderful spirit exemplified in the chant "MAI
LODONI MAI"
You
will agree with me that we want the school chapel built and
become a reality and not a dream collecting dust on the drawing
board.
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