18/08/2025
Rotary Club of Auckland Harbourside in partnership with the Education First Trust, successfully completed a week-long charitable mission to rural primary schools in Vanua Levu, Fiji. From July 21st to July 26th 2025, the team distributed 1,170 Rotary Dictionaries and 208 Days for Girls (DFG) Kits to students in years 5 through 8 across 32 rural primary schools in the provinces of Macuata, Bua, and Cakaudrove. The schools were identified and selected in close coordination with the Fiji Ministry of Education.
Rotary Dictionaries – Educational Empowerment: This year marks the tenth year of distributing Rotary Dictionaries to rural schools across the Fiji Islands. For many students, these dictionaries represent their first personal learning resource, fostering literacy and providing an invaluable tool for academic development. The positive responses from the students upon receiving their dictionaries reinforced the lasting value of this initiative.
Days for Girls Kits – Health and Wellbeing: The distribution of 208 Days for Girls kits addressed the critical need for menstrual health education and access to sustainable hygiene products. The kits, which included reusable menstrual products and essential health information, were provided to girls in years 5 through 8. Certified trainers DGE Joyti Singh and Anita Booth, with the assistance of President Amelia Simmons, conducted educational sessions with teachers and students, ensuring proper usage and emphasizing the importance of menstrual hygiene. This initiative empowers girls to attend school regularly with confidence, thereby helping to eliminate barriers to education.
School Backpacks – Additional Support: School backpacks, generously donated by a key sponsor, were distributed to the most underprivileged students across selected schools. These practical gifts provide students with the basic means to carry their learning materials, often for the first time.
Community Partnership and Impact: The positive responses from the students highlighted the ongoing need for such projects in Fiji. This mission was made possible through strong collaboration with local partners, including members of the Rotary Club of Labasa (Ami Kohli, Edwin Chand, President Amelia Simmons), the Ministry of Education Labasa, Vodafone Labasa, and the generous support of sponsors from New Zealand and Fiji.
The dedicated team that traveled to Fiji comprised of Project Leader Harjeet Golian, IPDG Vidya Nand, DGE Joyti Singh, Sursen Singh, Chris Booth, and Anita Booth. Their commitment, passion and time ensured the smooth and successful ex*****on of this project.
