SUVA, FIJI– Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Humanities, Education, and Law (CHEL), in partnership with the Department of Ethics and Governance, hosted an informative and impactful Drug De-addiction Workshop at its Nasinu campus yesterday.

The workshop, led by Lynn Geddes, a seasoned expert in addiction counselling, aimed to provide valuable insights into addiction management and prevention.

Geddes, who brings decades of experience in addiction services, is a former chief executive officer of an Addiction Service and has dedicated over 30 years to working in the field. Trained as a Youth and Community Development Worker, Geddes’ career spans education, counselling, and addiction service management.

Her expertise is further strengthened by her role in training addiction counsellors across Scotland and serving on the board of Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA). As a Heartfulness trainer, she also integrates mindfulness-based practices into her work.

The workshop featured discussions on the complexities of addiction, effective counselling strategies, and community-based approaches for prevention and support.

Lynn Geddes’ practical advice and deep understanding of the subject matter captivated attendees, who were eager to learn how they can better address addiction issues within their own communities.

The event saw a diverse range of participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Defence, high school teachers, university and community representatives.

NGOs such as Empower Pacific and Homes of Hope also attended, contributing their expertise and sharing resources aimed at tackling addiction in Fiji. These collaborations ensure a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of drug addiction on multiple fronts.

The Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset also sponsored the event, further highlighting the community-driven efforts to combat addiction and promote well-being in Fiji.

“This workshop is a significant step forward in raising awareness and building stronger support networks for those affected by addiction in Fiji and the region,” Geddes said.

The event also marked the beginning of an ongoing commitment by FNU’s CHEL to provide professional development and community engagement on vital societal issues such as addiction recovery.

FNU remains dedicated to facilitating more such workshops in the future, strengthening its role as a key institution in promoting health, education, and community well-being in Fiji.

This workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders and helped foster collaboration between education, health, and community organisations in the fight against addiction.

END