FNU’s CMNHS staff and students with the donation at the St Vincent Homes.

Students and staff of the Fiji National University’s College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences displayed exemplary generosity and care as they rallied together to donate much-needed food and clothing items to seven orphanages in the Central Division as part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

The initiative is part of the FNU Strategic Plan 2021-2026 to assist the communities and the people.

The initiative was organised by the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) and aimed to provide essential support to vulnerable children and the elderly, highlighting the institution’s commitment to social corporate responsibility.

The team from CMNHS visited St Vincent Homes, Father Law Home, Home of Hopes, Home of Compassion, Samabula Old Peoples’ Home, St Christopher Homes, and Dilkusha Home.

Boxes filled with food items and clothing were collected to ensure that the children and elderly would have access to decent meals and clothing.

CMNHS Dean, Dr William May said FNU’s students and faculty demonstrated empathy and compassion to members of our society by fully engaging in this worthy initiative.

“As part of our Social Corporate Responsibility, it is our duty to assist members of our community who are in need and make a difference in their lives. The institution is fully aware of its entrenched responsibility to humanity in addition to preparing our future health workforce.,” Dr May said.

“The elderly people have once served the nation, and us, in different roles, and this was one of the ways to show that we still care for them. The children are the future of Fiji, and they deserve all the love and support we can provide them to realise their potential.”

“The donations were distributed among several local orphanages, with each institution receiving a significant share of the contributions. Representatives from the University and a team of volunteers visited the orphanages to deliver the donations. The expressions of gratitude and joy on the faces of the children reinforced the positive impact of such initiatives.”

Staff and students of FNU’s CMNHS donating food and clothing at Home of Compassion.

Bachelor of Public Health student, Dipisha Lal said the donations would directly impact vulnerable children’s lives and bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

“It’s not just about providing them with essential items; it’s about showing them that they are valued, cared for, and supported by a larger community,” she said.

“The smiles on the children’s faces when we delivered the donations were priceless and reminded me of the positive change we can bring about through simple acts of kindness.”

Third-year Bachelor of Nursing student, Manish Muni Gounder said, “I am grateful to CMNHS for fostering a culture of giving and providing us with the platform to make a meaningful impact. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of empathy and the power of our collective action.”