Remarkable developments have been launched for the future as Avele College celebrated its 100th birthday on Wednesday.

This started with a parade through the town. The pouring rain could not deter current and old students of Avele from marching with pride.

Old pupils in wheelchairs, cabinet ministers, business professionals, and overseas students marched hand in hand.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa in her keynote address announced a donation of $20,000 to the school.

She also commended the school for contributing to the development of education in Samoa and nurturing leaders in Samoa and the Pacific.

"Over the years, Avele developed a reputation of a strong institution fit for the purpose of agricultural studies, which continues to provide the backbone support for most countries of the Pacific," she said.

"As a result, many students from the region came from Niue, Tokelau, Cook Islands, Tuvalu and Tonga. I am pleased to note that some who are prominent leaders of their country are here to join us in the Avele celebrations.

"Before closing, I take this opportunity to thank Avele College for their service to Samoa and its contribution to education." 

She also commended the old pupils' association for their ongoing support for the school, paving the way for the current and future students of the school.

"I thank the old pupils' association for their continuous support to the school and for being role models for the current and future students to strive for excellence in education. Happy 100th anniversary Avele," she said.

After the parade, the Avele alumni returned to the Avele compound.

An ava ceremony was held to kick off the program at Avele, welcoming the King's Representative to the Cook Islands, Sir Tom Marsters, leaders of government, churches, and people from the private sector.

The school was first established in 1923 by 24 gentlemen including its very first Head Boy (Ta’ita’it Ulu-Ali’i), Anapu Solofa, and was officially opened in June 1924. 

It first started as an agriculture school, where only boys were accredited to attend until 1996.

The title ‘Avele’ was derived or born from a Samoan myth pillarizing a young beautiful female, ‘Sinaleavele’. Avele describes the uniqueness of this college, starting from its uniform; a forest-green with three gold-yellow stripes ‘Ie lavalava, Ula-sisi from Niue and the Puataunofo flower.