GREAT BEGINNINGS

Queen Victoria School was founded in 1906 as a school for the sons of Fijian Chiefs. The school had two main objectives: to provide Fijian Boys with the necessary education and training for leadership and to ensure that Fijian Chiefs would continue to occupy a prominent place in their country. After cession of 1874, there had been much concern expressed about the future of the Fijian people.

The Fijian Chiefs believed that education of Fijians was imperative if they were to survive as a race in a fast changing and increasingly competitive world.

The colonial administrators were quick to understand that Fijian society had a sophisticated social structure based on Chiefly authority and they believed and expected that this social structure could be reinforced, through education, to support the colonial administration.

To achieve this end, the Chiefs were the most logical choice to be given priority in the development of education among the Fijian people with the ability and potential for leadership, testifies to the wisdom of that early initiative. Its impact is evident throughout Fiji's society.

The Fijian Chiefs' decision at the turn of the century to request the colonial Government to develop schools for the education of their sons was motivated by a strong desire to ensure the continuance of Fijian authority and dignity in a rapidly changing colonial environment.

In this way, they hoped to ensure the protection of the Fijian people and enable them to play a role in the colonial administration.

In acknowledgement of this the colonial Government built Queen Victoria School at Nasinu in 1906. The seriousness and gravity of the noble goals and Chiefs had for their people is reflected in the choice of the name of the school. The name "Vulinituraga" or "Vulinitu" (a school for Chiefs) was also born.

Queen Victoria School, as a result of the expressed wish of the Fijian chiefs, began as a unique institution for the sons of Chiefs. As a pioneer in Fijian education it was often identified with the future hopes and aspirations of Fijians. As the nation progressed, Chiefs realized that commoners were beginning to succeed academically so that Vulinitu was open to commoners as well. The rest is history with Queen Victoria School with perpetrating the vision of the Chiefs some ninety eight years ago. Queen Victoria Old Scholars occupy a "special place" in Fiji and have been in all facets of Fijian leadership some ninety eight years ago!

The spirit to lead is encapsulated in the words of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna when creating a motto for Queen Victoria School ….. "FORWARD FIJI".