Seeking Donations For Schools in Fiji

For the first time this year, a trip has been planned for students from both Saint Kentigern Boys’ and Girls’ School to give service in Fiji. Taking place at the end of Term 2, the trip will predominantly involve visiting and working in primary schools in a Fijian community. The group will be accompanied by Reverend Reuben Hardie, Chaplain to the Schools, and Mr Richard Kirk, Head of English at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School.

What?
We will be visiting and working in several primary schools and a preschool in and around Nadi, including Nawaka District Primary School and Nadi Arya Samaj Primary School.  We will be working alongside students with computer skills, English classes and supporting the village medical clinic, as well as gathering/purchasing and shipping to Fiji, resources the schools desperately need.

Why?
International service organisations have shown that outside groups can provide communities with resources, encouragement and impetus to work toward a better future. It is intended that our students will also greatly gain as they learn first-hand from the experience and are empowered to be ‘difference makers’ on a global scale. We also hope to build connections between these primary schools and the Saint Kentigern Community.

Where?
We will be based in Nadi in Fiji. Fiji has been chosen because of its familiarity. New Zealanders often holiday in Fiji. However, holiday makers only see one side of Fiji. Fiji is also one of the countries in the Pacific where some communities still experience extreme poverty and/or a significant lack of resources.

Who?
The opportunity has been made available to Year 8 students who attend our Girls’ and Boys’ Schools. Each student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This is a unique concept, normally service trips are reserved for secondary schools but so many students miss out. For parents, it is a great opportunity to share this experience before their students go off to college and they ‘cease to be cool’ in the eyes of their children!

At this stage 16 students from have committed to going and there is a great level of excitement about the impending trip. A number of Year 7's have even already signed up for next year's trip!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

One of our parents has kindly offered to arrange shipping for all items donated for Fiji. Currently our Saint Kentigern libraries have set aside books no longer required and would welcome donations of books for all age groups. In addition, the schools have made requests for comfortable ‘reading’ chairs for the library (preferably leather or vinyl for ease of cleaning), wooden seats and outdoor picnic tables, and kindergarten outdoor play equipment such as swings, slides and seesaws.

If you are able to help with any of these requests please contact Reverend Reuben Hardie at the Boys’ School.