For the last school semester, Year 3 students of International School Suva went out of their way to show the true meaning of kindness in their community.
The school said the Year 3 students embodied the central idea of their Unit of Inquiry “people respond to needs within a community,” by taking meaningful action to support causes they were deeply passionate about.
“The journey began in Term 3, where the entire year level united to organise a cookie sale that raised funds for the Suva Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Clinic, followed by a PE-thon supporting the National Youth Band,” the school stated.
“Building on this momentum, students reflected on community needs they had encountered and aligned them with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).”
The school highlighted that the students grouped themselves based on shared interests in specific causes, researched the needs of the communities, and brainstormed ways to make an impact.
“In Week 7 of the final term, they hosted a vibrant fundraiser that included lemonade and popcorn stands, a clothes drive, a Canva-a-thon, and sales of smoothies, cupcakes, ice cream, and cookies.
“Their efforts raised an impressive total of $1101.95.
“Using their math skills, particularly in percentages and money management, the students collaboratively allocated funds to support communities and certain initiatives.”
The students supported the AWANA After-School Activity Club, the Samabula Old People’s Home, Homes of Hope, St. Christopher’s Home, Lomary Primary School, SPCA, Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital and the Reading to Early Childhood (ECH) students.
“This hands-on experience gave the students a powerful understanding of community action and agency while fostering empathy and teamwork.
“Their contribution to these causes not only highlights their commitment to making a difference but also serve as a reminder that even the smallest voices can create meaningful change.”
Joel who handed over four sports balls to the coordinator of the AWANA After-School Activity Club, said he wanted to help the club because the children only had taped balls to play with and it wasn’t as fun.
The Year 3 students then visited Homes of Hope and handed over some cash.
“We chose to help Homes of Hope because the single mothers need help so they can support their children. We also wish the children can have a better life,” said Year 3 students, Caroline and Hanyang Ma.
The Year 3 students also visited Lomary Primary School in Serua and handed over some stationery items for students.
“We wanted to help the community because some people need help. We wanted to help Lomary so the students can have fun while learning,” students Elizabeth, Yuyao and Caiden said.
The students during their visit to the Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital in Suva made a monetary donation.
“We chose to help the children’s hospital because its saving people’s lives,” student Ruben said.
“We chose the heart hospital because we saw they needed money. Their surgeries are free, so they don’t get money, but they still need to pay for equipment,” student Elodie said.
The students visited SPCA too and helped the staff with their timely donation.
“You know why we chose SPCA? Because they have all the shelters that have all these little and big animals in them and they need help,” student Matilda said.
“We chose SPCA because we could see how long they (the animals) have been in cages, so we wanted to help them,” Elodie said.
The students also took board games to residents at the Samabula Old People’s Home in Suva.
“I think the elderly need some games. It would be nice to give balls so they can move around and keep fit,” student Freddie said.
The students were accompanied by their teachers during their community visits.
