Mufti Day brings out future careers

Malapoa College was

literally a workplace last Friday. With over 600 proud students in mufti mood, the atmosphere was electrifying as teachers and visitors were surprised with delight to discover each student’s intending career path.

These students are studying at Vanuatu’s top high school and are at a critical point of building a better and brighter future.

Malapoa College recently held its Mufti Day on the same date it was established by British colonial administrators 48 years ago. That time it was called British Secondary School (BSS).

Students arrived at the school as usual but without uniform. They dressed professionally as if they were going to work places: modelling their future dreams as lawyers with brief cases, captains, medical practitioners, pilots, sportsmen, diplomats and ambassadors, mechanic, bank tellers and office bearers.

Throughout the day they were thinking of what they want to be once they finish studies.

They were also participating in a big auction to raise funds for the college. Many people went to the campus to buy the college used-materials and made donations.

Prime Minister Joe Natuman, a former BSS student, took the opportunity to encourage the 600 students to work hard on their dreams.

He also dropped a donation into the donation box. Addressing the school before prize giving in the afternoon, PM Natuman told the students to carefully choose a dream that suits their interest so to support their families and build a better Vanuatu and a better world.

“The idea of deciding who you want to be in the future was exactly what I (the PM) also did in 1968,” he told the students.

“I decided to go to university but at the time we (Vanuatu) were colonized so I decided to do something proactive to help Vanuatu gain independence. I chose to study arts, and politics, history and public administration which is now referred to at the USP (University of the South Pacific) as management.

“After graduation, I later joined politics with Walter Lini who later became the country’s first prime minister. Vanuatu then became independent and here I am today. Anyone of you would be like me one day, be a doctor, teacher or plumber, to support your families and nation,” said the PM.

Principal Reginald Garoleo on behalf of the college applauded the PM for his contribution.

Mufti Day will become once again an annual event for Malapoa.