16/03/2026
From the North, With Love: A Report on Our Expedition to Naqarawai Village, Namosi
Northern Division β Youth Assemblies of Fiji
Annual General Meeting & Village Retreat | Naqarawai Village, Namosi Province.
Prepared by the Secretary, Northern Division β Youth Assemblies of Fiji
There is a particular kind of madness that takes hold of a group of young people when they are told they are heading into the Fijian highlands for four days. Bags are overpacked, expectations are overblown, and somewhere between the first pothole and the third river crossing, someone inevitably asks, "Are we there yet?" Such was the beginning of our delegation's journey to Naqarawai Village, nestled deep in the emerald folds of Namosi Province. Seventeen of us made the pilgrimage β seventeen souls, seventeen sets of luggage, and approximately seventeen different opinions on what "light packing" means. What awaited us on the other side of those winding highland roads, however, was something none of us could have packed for, no matter how large the bag.
Our hosts, let the record show that the people of Naqarawai Village are among the most generous souls this earth has produced. They received seventeen of us β not for a polite cup of tea, but for four full days. They housed us, fed us, and tolerated our collective noise with a grace that bordered on the miraculous. From the moment we arrived and were welcomed with the warmth of a traditional sevusevu, it was clear that Naqarawai was not merely a venue; it was a home. To our incredible hosts: vinaka vakalevu. You did not just host an event; you hosted our hearts.
The Scenery: God's Own Screensaver
One does not simply visit the Namosi Highlands; one is received by them. The landscape rolled out before us like a living, breathing tapestry, a scenery so stunning it made even our most phone-addicted members pause for a moment of genuine awe. The river, a cool, clear ribbon through the valley, became our personal spa, gymnasium, and therapy session all in one. It was a profound and welcome reset, proving that sometimes the best things in life involve a good splash and a complete lack of mobile signal.
Food for Thought: Our Enlightening Speakers
Our time in Naqarawai was not all river swims and scenic contemplation. We were privileged to engage with a series of speakers whose insights provided much-needed "brain food."
Following this, the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Committee presented on their crucial work, prompting thoughtful consideration of national healing and unity.A significant portion of our program was dedicated to a comprehensive Panel Discussion on Health, featuring:β’HIV & AIDS by FJN Plus, offering critical awareness.β’Mental Health and Su***de by Lifeline, addressing the paramount importance of psychological well-being.β’Drugs Fiji by Kalesi Volatabu, providing insights into substance abuse prevention.The discussions were robust, followed by an engaging Q&A session that allowed our members to delve deeper into these topics, ensuring that our retreat was not just a cultural immersion but also a significant learning experience.
The Constitution: History Made in the Highlands.
Amidst the exploring, we also conducted the serious business that brought us together: the endorsement of our amended Constitution. This wasn't just a formality; it was a declaration of our collective vision and a significant step forward for the Northern Division. To pass such a pivotal document in a place so steeped in tradition felt profoundly right. The highlands bore witness, and we, the youth, moved forward.
The Feast, The Forage, The Family.
No report on Naqarawai would be complete without a dedicated section on the food. Forget fancy restaurants; the culinary delights here were a masterclass in local flavour. We devoured rourou and an astonishing variety of foraged ferns and indigenous greens, prepared with such ingenuity that each meal was a discovery. These weren't just dishes; they were stories of the land, cooked with love and served with pride.The evenings, filled with shared laughter and the communal passing of kava, solidified something truly special. We arrived as seventeen individuals; we left as an unbreakable family, bound by shared experiences and a deep appreciation for the simple, profound joys of village life.
Closing Remarks: Until the Next Adventure.
We returned with full stomachs, even fuller hearts, and a renewed sense of purpose. Our departure was marked by the kind of generosity that only a village like Naqarawai can offer: we left laden with root crops, bags of food packed with more love than our luggage could handle, and a bucket of kava to "wet our throats" and keep the spirits high for the long road home. To the people of Naqarawai, the speakers, and the members of the Northern Division: thank you for making this a trip for the ages. We carry the highlands with us nowβin our memories, in our hearts, and in the very persistent scent of love that serves as a souvenir more precious than any trinket.
Respectfully submitted β with a grin, a full heart, and an enduring appreciation for dalo and all things green.
The Secretary
Northern Division β Youth Assemblies of Fiji
Finau Talatolu.
