a new iTaukei Peace Education Program will soon be introduced aimed at preserving Fiji’s indigenous language and cultural heritage.
The initiative by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) was announced over the weekend by the program’s Fiji Branches senior adviser, Bimal Deo, during the “Hope in Fiji; Peace Festival” held at Berry St in Suva.
Mr Deo says the program seeks to honour the iTaukei language, heritage, and stories as a foundation for cultural preservation and youth empowerment.
“Through this initiative, we hope to help young people learn peace values through their own cultural lens, connecting lessons of gratitude, respect, and harmony with the traditions and wisdom passed down through generations, thus nurturing healthy identities among our youth,” he said.
The iTaukei Peace Education Program is part of HWPL’s global peace education framework, which promotes respect, empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
The localised version translates HWPL’s modules into the iTaukei language and integrates Fijian traditions and values such as veidokai (respect) and veirogorogoci (listening to one another).
Mr Deo emphasised the program is designed to include, not exclude, Fiji’s multicultural communities.
“Some may wonder if focusing on the iTaukei language means excluding Indo-Fijians or other groups. Peace education is for everyone.
“The iTaukei Peace Education Program is simply one meaningful starting point, an effort to celebrate and preserve one part of our shared Fijian story.”
He said HWPL’s peace education was also conducted in English and Hindi, ensuring that all communities can participate and learn in ways that reflect their identities and experiences.
“Our goal is to make peace education a bridge, not a boundary, something that unites, uplifts, and reminds us that while our stories may differ, the values of peace, respect, and empathy belong to us all.”
