May 15, 2025, by Jackie Thompson

Think Pacific: Fiji fever dream

By Tegan Yapp, Pharmacology student

Last July, I was privileged to travel to Fiji and participate in a month-long mental health project with Think Pacific. Think Pacific is a charity that works in partnership with the Fijian government to deliver a variety of projects that aim to support local communities and help them grow in line with Fiji’s national development plan.

Our role

Alongside 20 other volunteers, we lived in Nubuyanitu, a remote village in the Navosa Highlands of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. Together, we delivered a series of workshops to a group of 20 participants between the ages of 16 and 35 years, about mental health and becoming a wellness ambassador for their communities.

The main aim of these workshops was to facilitate conversations about mental health, a topic that is not discussed despite widespread mental health issues across Fiji. Due to the sensitivity of the topic, it was important to foster a supportive and understanding environment. One of the best things about the project was seeing the community take an interest in the topic and the participants grow in confidence as the weeks went by.

Cultural immersion

As well as learning from us, we were immersed in Fijian culture, learning about all aspects of daily life. We took part in a daily culture course, where an abundance of topics was covered, from cooking traditional Fijian meals and understanding cooking styles, such as using an underground oven (lovo), to livelihoods such as weaving, to learning the meke (a celebratory dance).

The cultural experience was not limited to these sessions, I also learnt a lot from my host family, who were very patient with us as we learnt more of the language and etiquette. The culture and etiquette in Fiji are heavily centred around respect, as shown by our families being nothing but hospitable, kind and open about their lives.

Our extended family held a leaving dinner for us, including our own Kava ceremony. Kava is a plant root that is ground, combined with water and drunk on special occasions out of a coconut bowl (bilo). Kava ceremonies were an integral part of life in the village, we were welcomed and sent off following these ceremonies called a Sevusevu and I’tatau respectively. Additionally, many a night was spent in the village hall, playing games, learning dances, and drinking Kava.

Awareness

As alluded to the project is full on, and it can be overwhelming at times with such a packed schedule. Therefore, one of my top tips is to use your free time wisely and look after yourself, if you need to rest, rest. There are so many opportunities for community engagement every single day so you will not miss out by resting.

Reflection

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Nubuyanitu, had some incredible experiences and built lifelong relationships. Additionally, it has improved my interpersonal skills particularly communication skills, as well as boosting my confidence and proving to myself I am resilient.

I would definitely recommend a Think Pacific expedition, it was a phenomenal, unforgettable experience that has facilitated my growth both personally and professionally.

If you are interested in taking part in a Think Pacific project, visit the UoN webpage to find out more. The webpage is updated in October and Turing funding is available each year for students who apply by the deadline.

For those who are looking to gain work experience abroad, check out our webpage on internships overseas and book an appointment to talk to an adviser. Through our webpage, you have free access to GoinGlobal, an international careers database, covering over 40+ countries.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on LinkedIn