WHEN Australian volunteer Ayman Mahli arrived in Fiji, he knew he would spend the year helping community organisations strengthen their digital systems. What he didn’t expect was that rugby and the warmth of Fijian hospitality would make his experience unforgettable.
Through the Australian Volunteers Program, Ayman spent 12 months as an Information Technology Specialist and trainer in Fiji, supporting two key partner organisations: Building Innate Resilience Through Hearts (BIRTH) Fiji, a women-led NGO that provides counselling and mental health support in Lautoka; and Vivekananda Technical Center (VTC) in Nadi, known for its vocational training for farmers.
Ayman’s work at BIRTH Fiji focused on transitioning operations to the cloud and strengthening technical IT skills. He also helped launch the BIRTH Fiji website and develop branding and social media campaigns to boost the organisation’s online profile.
Rugby was always close by though, with the CEO of BIRTH Fiji being invited by NRL Fiji to speak on a panel about domestic violence, having found the organisation through the newly launched website.
On a personal level, Ayman felt welcomed in Fiji from the get-go.
“Within the first day it felt like I was a team member,” he says. “The team was always inviting me to all their celebrations – Diwali, Iftar in Ramadan – they made sure I felt at home. I was overwhelmed by their kindness. The experience reignited the passion I have for helping people; and it reinforced my plans to proceed with my Diploma in Counselling.”
At VTC, Ayman assisted the team to restore and upgrade the school’s e-learning platform, allowing online course delivery for students. He also delivered interactive workshops on cybersecurity awareness, AI in education, Microsoft Office products and Canva for staff.
In addition to his primary assignment at VTC and BIRTH Fiji, Ayman also had the opportunity to provide short-term IT consultancy for two NGOs, Habitat for Humanity Fiji and Empower Pacific, to resolve urgent issues and advise on their existing IT services
But the achievement that Ayman is most proud of is his time volunteering to support a local rugby team with content creation and social media.
“This experience took me out of my professional comfort zone and helped raise the team’s profile in the community, creating a real sense of pride for the team and their families,” Ayman says.
“They treated me like a family member and this experience created memories that I will always cherish.”
Since returning to Australia, Ayman has continued to partner with friends and colleagues at BIRTH Fiji, by delivering free online Data Management & Cyber Security training sessions designed specifically for NGOs working across the Pacific.
Left: Australian volunteer Ayman Mahli (right) with Empower Pacific data entry officer Lynette Josephine and IT officer Aakash Sharma.
Picture: SUPPLIED
