Before I came to Fiji I didn’t really know where I was going, in fact in my head I imagined Fiji was a massive beach with loads of palm trees.
After a month living in Suva and working at The Fiji Times I can definitely say that that is no longer the case.
While working I have learned so much about this amazing country and the people that live here.
I now know Fiji is a complex nation which is full of potential.
One of the first people I interviewed in Fiji was Shamima Ali, coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.
Ms Ali has an incredible presence backed up by the credible work she carries out and the sincerity of her convictions in helping women and creating gender equality in Fijian society.
I’ve visited the Fiji National University where I met the education minister; saw the potential of Fiji’s youth and Fiji’s blossoming tertiary education system.
I’ve met and interviewed Inger Andersen, director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
In the interview I learned that 81.9 per cent of energy produced in Fiji is renewable.
I also learned about Fiji’s marine conservation efforts which many of my fellow volunteers are involved in.
That Fiji places so much importance on green energy and nature conservation is very commendable at a time when bigger and so-called developed nations ignore environmental issues.
I went to the launch of Bula Smart, a product which I think embodies the optimism of Fijians.
While at the launch, I learned about Fiji’s growing economy and financial stability.
I saw some of Fiji’s beautiful forestry while visiting Homes for Hope for Nelson Mandela day, attended by the South African High Commission.
The setting was made even more awe-striking by the knowledge that the essential work of Homes of Hope was being carried out there. This last week (last week), I have been reading about the Hibiscus Festival and interviewed six semi-finalists for the Kaila! Star Search.
Talking with the finalists and seeing how simultaneously talented and modest they are helped me to understand the unassuming way of Fijian society and to see the bright future ahead of many young Fijians. I am also devastated I won’t be here for the festival.
I sampled Fiji’s Tourism industry when travelling the west coast of Viti Levu.
The beaches in Fiji are indeed amazing and no sea can match the Pacific.
My time at The Fiji Times has taught me the skills of a journalist but also the essence of ethical journalism.
My colleagues have all made me feel so welcome and the experience I’ve gained has been invaluable.
It makes me proud to say that I’ve worked for one of the top newspapers in Fiji and one which maintains such high standards of journalism, sometimes in the face of adversity.
I recently wrote an article about a speech the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, made in China in which he said “undoubtedly the most promising era in Fijian history is beginning”; having spent just five weeks here I can believe that.
Fijian society is one of the most unique I have ever experienced.
It’s so hospitable, jovial and possesses a quiet pride that I think people around the world could learn from.
My homestay family have been one of the best things about my time in Fiji and I will never forget the way they’ve accepted me into their home and family
I think Fiji is facing the future in the same manner that Fijians live their every day lives; with optimism, generosity and with a relaxed and unassuming attitude.
Fiji is one of the friendliest places I have ever experienced and I will be taking that ethos back with me to the UK.
Sota tale Viti.
