In a heartening display of youth-driven compassion, New Zealand high school senior Cecilia Lin has donated sanitary pads to the Fiji National University (FNU) Foundation in support of underserved young women, reinforcing health, dignity, and solidarity among Pacific youth.

Accompanied by her father, Quan Lin, Cecelia visited FNU’s Nasinu Campus on Saturday, 21 June 2025 to personally hand over 40 packs of sanitary pads. The donation is part of a wider mission by Pacific Sister, a student-led initiative Cecelia founded to raise awareness and support peers across the Pacific region on pressing social issues—including menstrual health and drug abuse.

“It is rare to see someone so young take bold action across borders,” said FNU Foundation Executive Director Karen Lobendahn.

“This noble gesture will go a long way in supporting our female students through the university pantry.”

Fiji National University Foundation team poses for a picture with Fiji Red Cross Society’s Lokesh Rajarseka and Pacific Sister Founder Cecilia Lin at the Nasinu Campus on Friday, 21 June 2025.

While visiting Fiji to engage with efforts tackling youth drug issues, Cecelia also partnered with the Fiji Red Cross Society to distribute dignity packs, ensuring that essential needs of young women are not overlooked.

“Today I brought 40 sanitary pads to the Fiji National University Foundation,” Cecilia said. “I founded Pacific Sister to combat drug abuse in the Pacific, and I’ve researched why Fiji remains vulnerable to trafficking. The impact of this issue in New Zealand, particularly among young people, is very real—and it’s connected to what’s happening here.”

Recognising that many illicit drugs entering New Zealand pass through Pacific countries, Cecilia believes building awareness and strengthening solidarity in the region is key. She plans to handover a total of 1000 sanitary, the remaining which she would ship them later this year.

Her efforts mark a powerful message of empathy, leadership, and transnational youth activism—and serve as a reminder that change often begins with the courage of one young voice.

For more information visit the FNU website at http://www.fnu.ac.fj

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