Xavier College Students during cleanup. Photo: Columbans Fiji
Fresh on the heels of the Year 12 science departments’ winning First Place (senior secondary entry) at the Columban Season of Creation school competition 2023, the Catholic students and teachers of Xavier College spent the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday holiday by cleaning up Elevuka Creek in the middle of Ba town as their 2023 Season of Creation project. They had sought permission from the Ba Town Council last week, who were only too happy to give their consent.
Ms Margie Muller, Manager of Xavier College, reported councillors of the Ba Town Council said, “This is a first in the history of Ba that anyone thought of cleaning the creek, especially a school.” Furthermore, the manager and staff of the Shop n Save Supermarket, who were pleasantly surprised to see the students and teachers cleaning Elevuka Creek, offered juice, water and garbage bags and the promise of a lunch of curry chicken next time the group were back for a clean-up of the creek.
Whilst the Xavier students enjoyed fun together cleaning Elevuka Creek, they also took note of the utter disregard shown by humans who throw away plastic bottles and bags, tyres, vinyl carpets and clothing into the creek. A sad reality for a country that prides itself on its beauty and relies so heavily on tourism. By the end of the day, students and teachers collected forty garbage bags filled with rubbish just between the Market and the bridge in town.
Xavier College Students creek cleanup. Photo: Columbans Fiji
The students do not doubt that, as Catholics, we need to do more to raise awareness in Ba on keeping our waterways and rivers free of plastics and rubbish. Several overseas ex-students have shown interest in supporting any future cleanup of Elevuka Creek, and Ms Muller hopes with support from the Ba Town Council and others, they can bring the creek back to full health. Kudos and thanks to Xavier College for their great work!
A school founded 70 years ago by the Columbans is still leading the way in its care for the environment. I am sure even Prophet Muhammad was smiling approvingly as these young people celebrated his birthday in this way.
Mr. Ben Salacakau, CEO of the Archdiocese of Ba, made the following comment, “Excellent example to the public and also great learning for the young people. God bless you all, young people and your school as well. We can only pray that such seeds of care and concern will sprout responsible behaviour to the general public.”
Columban Fr Pat Colgan lives and works in Fiji.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin.
