MARIST CHAMPAGNAT INSTITUTE
Vatuwaqa, Suva, Fiji Islands

A Motor Engine for the Workshop

The Champagnat Institute is unique in Fiji. Begun in the year 2000, it is a post primary special school, registered as a Vocational School. It admits year eight leavers and others unable to find suitable places in traditional secondary schools in the Suva area. Preference is given to those from Special Schools, those with learning disabilities and those with marks below 250 out of 500 in the government Fiji Eighth Year Exam. The school has a roll of 110 students this year.

The Institute offers a two year basic educational course, emphasizing self confidence and self worth, overcoming learning disabilities through “learning to learn” programmes. Much time is spent on practical subjects that lead to income generating projects. This is followed by two years of specific job-training in vocational kills: Office Skills, Tailoring and Catering, Technical (engineering, automotive repair, building skills) Agriculture (including chicken rearing and egg production.) The facilities are also available for members of the local community to learn basic computer skills and automotive repair.

The Vision:

“Champagnat Institute is a family of students parents and staff , open and welcoming, where staff and parents are committed to working together, in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat, to empower marginalised students with life-giving skills, ready to participate effectively in family and society.”

What is NEEDED…

A freestanding motor vehicle engine in working condition for the automotive engineering workshop.

What you can DO…

About $500 would provide a complete second hand motor vehicle engine. This piece of equipment will benefit the boys and girls who take this course by giving them close-up and hands-on experience in working with engines. This practical experience will benefit students who may wish to take further studies at other Institutes such as Boystown or Fiji Institute of Technology. Knowledge gained may also open employment opportunities in the many small vehicle repair outlets around the country.

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