My name’s Jasmine and I’m a third year Environmental Science student. I have recently returned from a month in Fiji, where I participated in the Youth Empowerment programme run by Think Pacific. This involved facilitating workshops aimed at Fijian youth on topics including Climate Change and the Environment, Public health, Mental health, Enterprise, Leadership and Sport.
Image: The volunteers and the Fijian youth
We were sent to Nasirotu, a rural village in the mountains, in the east of the country. The landscape was so natural and beautiful. We were soon introduced to our host families, after a special welcoming ceremony in the village hall. I stayed with a family of 11, who treated me like I was one of the family. The food was buffet-style, and I tried so many delicious, new foods from the family’s plantation, including cassava, taro, rourou, kumquat and many more.
Leading workshops on Climate and the Environment was the highlight for me, as it was amazing sharing ideas on topics that I felt so passionate about, whilst discovering the perspectives and lived experiences of the rural Fijian youth regarding the environment around them. One of our sessions involved the creation of a board game to educate about environmental issues, which I feel was a very popular and enjoyable activity for both the youth and volunteers. The aim was to empower the youth through exchanging knowledge and understanding on these key topics, which I feel we did very successfully.
Each afternoon, I partook in an intensive culture course, which was fascinating, and allowed me to broaden my mindset and expand my cultural understanding. Topics explored included farming, fishing, religion, cooking, weaving and the history of the village. I particularly enjoyed the session on weaving due to relaxing nature of the activity. I also loved the singing at church and at home.
The volunteer group also had to opportunity to go on excursions out of the village, allowing us to swim by an impressive waterfall, hike, view hot springs, and to talk with the Fijians from surrounding villages.
I am incredibly grateful for this invaluable experience, and I will always remember my time in Fiji with fondness and pride.