Educational Capacity Building in Fiji

Dear Supporter,

In March, GVI began the construction of the new Library as part of its long term goals to improve the infrastructure, increase literacy and facilitate creative and physical development at Navunisea District School. The aim was to provide a facility which would give children access to books, educational games, music and sports equipment and art
materials to improve their knowledge and education.

The library project would not have been possible without the generous contributions to the GVI Charitable Trust. Many of the former volunteers returned home and donated or fundraised to the GVI CT, collectively donating $15,000. It was with these funds that GVI was able to purchase the materials required and commence construction.

The library project required a large amount of timber. GVI made it a priority to use materials which were sourced locally and sustainable, rather than relying on imported materials. The team also hired a foreman and a small team of tradesman from the community, to work on specific elements of the construction and support, train and guide the volunteers. These elements were important and contributed to our goals regarding the wider community and the environment.

The library was officially opened by the Divisional Education Officer for the Central division of Fiji. The new library not only houses wonderful books and offers a secure storage space for materials, the library also acts as an additional learning space, which relieves the two large composite classes. 

The completed library, filled with books and resource Literacy levels have already be estimated to have improved by nearly 30% across the whole school and international volunteers have helped foster new enthusiasm for reading, boosting the confidence of the pupils. The library showcases the fantastic range of fiction and nonfiction books available and the GVI Dawasamu team hopes it will foster a love for reading amongst the children even further.

Thank you for supporting this project.

All the best

GVI Fiji

Links:

• http://www.gvi.org

Dear Supporter,

Since GVI began work in Ratu Meli Memorial School in 2011, the kindergarten has been without a classroom and it has been one of GVI’s goals since the project began to assist the school in establishing a suitable classroom environment for the kindergarten. Recently, GVI has successfully worked with the school to establish a kindergarten classroom.

Routine is invaluable to children as it provides the opportunity to repeat, practice and improve upon an activity. Unfortunately, for the past two years, the Nacula kindergarten was held in the village hall. By facilitating the shift to a classroom at Ratu Meli Memorial School, GVI is able to provide a greater level of assistance to the pupils and teacher; therefore, having more of an impact in improving the numeracy and literacy and facilitating the creative and physical development of the 20 kindergarten students.

The education project staff discussed with the kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Lusia, how GVI could further assist in enriching the education of the twenty children who attend Nacula Kindergarten. It was decided that the provision of more volunteer time and an increase in resources would enhance the students’ development as would a more structured routine. At the start of 2014, The Ministry of Education assigned only 7 teachers to RMMS, which led to a composite class and left one empty classroom.

GVI project staff and Mrs. Lusia organized meetings with community members from the four villages on Nacula Island, the kindergarten chairman and RMMS school committee members to discuss moving the kindergarten from the village hall to the newly empty classroom at RMMS. At the final meeting, Nacula village elders granted permission for the kindergarten to relocate to RMMS. After successfully securing a space designated solely for the kindergarten , GVI’s education team set to work on developing weekly kindergarten themes such as my family, plants and transport as well as constructing a daily schedule to include arts and crafts, singing, and tooth brushing.

By facilitating the move from the village hall to Ratu Meli Memorial School, GVI has helped make a huge step forwards in improving the education standard of the kindergarten students. Having their own classroom gives the pupils a more consistent routine and allows more time for volunteer involvement. Focusing on the older students, GVI volunteers can help ensure these children are prepared for class 1, which will give them a solid base for their primary education. GVI’s education team will continue providing support to Mrs. Lusia and work towards developing the kindergarten program to promote learning by playing.

Thank you for continuing to support this project.

GVI Fiji

Links:

• http://www.gvi.org