By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
The 1999 Year Group of Fijai Old Students Association (FOSA), has celebrated its 25-anniversary celebration in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
The celebration, coincided with the presentation of 400 pieces of chairs to their alma mater.
As part of the celebrations, there was a durbar, a tour of the school dubbed “nostalgic walk through the school’s facilities, classrooms and historic landmarks.
Also, there was football, basketball and volleyball match between the old students and the current students as well as a social gathering; where classmates and old friends re-connected.
Again, there was a special interdenominational church and prayer session, presentation of gifts and cutting of cake to climax the celebration.
President of the 1999 Year Group
Elvis Okyere, President of the FOSA1999 Year Group said “we gather not only to celebrate our personal journeys, but to reflect on the enduring legacy of this institution that shaped us into who we are today”.
Our time here, he said was filled with memories that shaped our lives, the friendships we forged, the lessons we learned, and the challenges that helped us grow.
He pointed out that many walked out of the school, equipped with knowledg but more importantly, with values and a sense of community that have remained with the individual throughout the years.
“This celebration, is a testament to the lasting bonds we created and the deep connection we have with our alma mater. As we look back on these 25 years, we are reminded of how far we have come, but also of how much we owe great this institution. The teachers, the mentors, and the friends who supported us along the way” Mr. Okyere said.
He continued that “our reunion is an opportunity to renew our commitment to each other and to this school, to give back in meaningful ways, and to inspire the next generation of students who will one day stand where we are now”.
Church Service
Preaching the sermon, Rev James Annan, Chaplain of the school said there is the need for the individual to say thank you at all times.
“I challenge you to have time for devotion. Be prayerful, Christ centered and encourage one another as well reach out to others, and relate to all well”, he advised.
Presentation of Chairs
Messrs Confidence Amegashiti and James Appiah, both Head Prefect and Chairman of the 25th anniversary committee and Assistant School Prefect of the 1999 Year Group of the School, presenting the Chairs to the management of the school said; “this token, is from our batch to the school, to support what you have at the assembly hall”.
Mr. Amegashiti said “it is the culture of FOSA, to give back to their alma mater as government and parents’ teacher association alone cannot afford all the full cost of education”.
He said the 1999 Year Group, would continue to interact with the school to identify its needs and make provision for them.
Kenneth Dotse Agbomazi, the Headmaster of Fijai SHS was grateful to the FOSA 1999 Year Group for the gesture.
He mentioned that the population of the school, keeps on increasing with about 3000 students.
He mentioned that the school has so many challenges and appealed to government and old students of the school, to support in the construction of a bigger assembly hall, a 12 units classroom block, a dinning all and a modern kitchen complex that can accommodate about 2000 students so that eating in batches would cease.
“We also need accommodation for staff to improve supervision in the evening and especially at weekends, and our girls’ dormitory block which was started in 2019 has come to a standstill. We wish it would be completed to ease congestion at the place”, he added.
Fijai SHS, is a mixed school which started in January 29, 1952 with a student’s population of 38; 30 boys and eight with the motto; AD ASTRA PER ASPERA”, which means to the stars, through thick and thin”.