A group of youth from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, in collaboration with the Fiji National University’s College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL), recently undertook a community outreach programme on the island of Vanua Balavu over the Easter weekend.
The initiative, led by Associate Professor Dr Lavinia Tiko, reflected FNU’s ongoing commitment to engaging meaningfully with remote and rural communities across Fiji.
What made this outreach particularly inspiring was the selfless dedication of the participating youth, including approximately ten FNU students, who gave their time and energy in service to others.
The university was proud to support the programme through the provision of desks, which were distributed to schools throughout Vanua Balavu.
FNU’s Manager for Outreach, Ms Ella Bennion, noted that while the contribution may appear modest, it is expected to make a lasting and positive impact on the students’ learning environments.
As part of the outreach, books and additional educational resources were also donated to local schools.
Programme Coordinator Mr Lesi Vanuavou remarked that these efforts are part of a broader commitment to supporting education and empowering young people in Fiji’s outer islands, while also contributing to the development of stronger, more resilient communities.
In a show of support and encouragement, Fiji National University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba was present to personally farewell the team as they departed immediately following the university’s graduation ceremony.
This gesture underscored the university’s pride in its students and its belief in the power of outreach to help Fijians in Vanua Balavu and beyond to reach for their dreams through education and partnership with FNU.
Mavana Village School received FNU’s tables donation.
Head of School, Ms Milika Vuamuri expressed appreciation as the donation was timely.
The students needed tables, and the donation was an answered prayer.
She salutes FNU VC for the kind initiative to the remote rural maritime schools. She also thanked the SDA Youths for collaborating with FNU and delivered the donation right to the school.
