Marist Gives Back

MBOPA Executive Officers with Marist Brothers

Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association (MBOPA) donated over $500,000 from proceeds collected during their centennial celebration.

Afioga Tualatamalelagi Tom Annandale, one of the patrons of MBOPA presented at MBOPA’s AGM on 6^th September 2024 the following cheques:

• $300,000 to the Samoa Marist Brothers Trust Board and Property & Finance Management Committee to assist with the renovation of the halls of the Marist schools;
• $100,000 to St Joseph’s College to assist with teachers’ salaries and administration costs; and
• $100,000 to Marist Brothers Primary School to assist with teachers’ salaries and administration costs.

MBOPA through its General Executive also donated on 12^th September 2024:

• $5,000 to the Carmelite Nuns at Vailima;
• $5,000 to Mapuifagalele Home for the Aged.

Last month, MBOPA celebrated its 100^th Anniversary in a week-long celebration. The celebration included giving out awards to distinguished members, music festival and outrigger regatta to name a few. The centennial was well attended, with affiliates from overseas also taking part.

Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai, President of MBOPA praised God for a successful centennial. He added that, “The centennial was an opportunity to celebrate an important milestone, and to also raise funds to support our Marist schools.

I want MBOPA to play a more active role in supporting the Marist Brothers to turn our schools into learning institutions of excellence, based on the Marist Spirit. I believe our schools still have the ability and potential to continue to produce great leaders for our nation.”

There are 2 schools run by the Marist Brothers in Samoa, namely St Joseph’s College at Alafua and Marist Brothers Primary School at Mulivai, Apia.

These are the only boys school remaining in Samoa. According to Brother Sefo Une, the Coordinator of the Marist Brothers in Samoa, “The Marist Brothers’ aim is to improve our schools’ academic standards, discipline and resources. 

Such aim require money so we established a few years ago our Property and Finance Management Committee to develop our properties to raise funds to support our schools. In that same vein, our schools’ Governance Board has over the years gradually raised our school fees. 

We are also grateful for the support of MBOPA and their generous donations from their recent centennial.”

MBOPA extends their gratitude to God and those who supported their centennial such as families, friends, businesses and sponsors.