THE weeklong event to mark Selwyn College’s 46th anniversary has kicked off yesterday with a march parade by former and current students.
The parade by members of Selwyn Old Scholars Association (SOSA) was supported by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
The main event to kick off the event was staged at Lawson Tama.
The paraded started at the Honiara City Council carpark.
Hundreds of former students of Selwyn College parade in their various divisions in descending order from 1970s to this year.
The four divisions within the SOSA body are Masi, Tahula, Noabu and Kirio.
Speaking as the Chairman of Selwyn College 46th Anniversary Committee, Robert Iroga acknowledged the participating old scholars and the presence of guest of honour Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare and Head of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Archbishop Most Rev. George Takeli.
In his speech, Archbishop Rev. Takeli said the parade indicated the strong support former students have for Selwyn College.
“As I saw you march in, I was deeply assured as the Archbishop and owner of the school to see your support and express your support to the school who has given you so much, I was so impressed to see all of you,” he said.
Rev. Takeli opened the weeklong celebration to mark the 46th anniversary of the school.
“I am informed that this celebration is the first of its kind for many many years, in fact since the establishment in the 1970.
“This is a national celebration, it is appropriate to make this a national celebration because former students of Selwyn College are now taking and making impact, by taking responsibility or working as permanent secretaries and positions in the Solomon Islands,” the ACOM Archbishop stated.
Also as the chairman of the Selwyn College school council Rev. Takeli conveyed the church gratitude to the Prime Minister for his presence as the chief quest at the event yesterday.
He added the school started from a humble beginning since its establishment.
“The Anglican church has a education authority that run various schools in many of our Islands.
“From early as year 1849 we have our first contact of missionary to our island.
“During this early period education was though mainly from the church house,” he added.
According to the Chairman of the organising committee, presentations from former students holding prominent government posts will be held through our week and sports competition to conclude the weeklong celebration this week.
Prime Minister also spoke at the occasion in acknowledging the contribution made by the College to the country over the past 46 years.
The theme of the 46th anniversary celebration is “Celebrating Success, Challenges and Progress”.
By SIMON ABANA
