The Fiji Kids learning for Life program is entering its 16th year of operation, maintaining its commitment to seeing disadvantaged students in the Nadroga area through their entire educational journey, says founder Julie Hoskisen.
The organisation, which currently supports in excess of 80 families with full educational costs, prides itself on a “Class one to Year 13 sponsorship model.
“We’re called Learning for Life, Future Kids Learning for Life and that means if a child joins us in Class One, we’re still sponsoring them in Year 13,” she said.
“We stick with the kids through their school life and really encourage them to stay at school.”
Ms Hoskisen said that since its inception, the program has reached more than 250 children, many of whom progress to the Fiji National University, the University of the South Pacific, or various vocational institutions to gain essential employment skills.
A key pillar of the program’s sustained success is the integration of its graduates back into the community as leaders.
Presently, the initiative boasts about 30 active mentors and 40 graduates from vocational and university scholarship programs.
Ms Hoskisen said those who have completed their bachelors degree, diplomas, or certificates are increasingly returning to support younger students.
“We encourage them to think about how they’ve been helped and how they can inspire younger ones to really attend school and do something better for themselves.
“Essentially their success then inspires the younger generation to apply themselves and to dream, dream for something better than living in, you know, quite poor circumstances.”
Ms Hoskisen said the program aims to provide a leg up for those in the broader community who require inspiration and financial stability to break the cycle of poverty.
