Changing the Culture of Violence in Fiji

REPORT JUNE 2020

Since our last report, the world has changed. By the time covid 19 entered Fiji via people returning to the country from overseas the government was able to react quickly with the first response to lock down the city of Lautoka where the first case appeared. The population did not fully understand why these apparently harsh conditions were being imposed on them and the medical staff and police had to travel around the communities to explain what was going on. The youth who were trained in the Virtues Project were able to travel with these teams and assist with using the language of the virtues in the meaning of obedience, patience, acceptance and so on. The other members of the teams were very impressed with the way  this language helped them get their message across and asked a lot of questions about the project. 

Some of the youth had employment and this ceased with the economic crisis that followed the health crisis and they wanted to do more with the Virtues training and more of the youth wanted to learn these skills. 

In April there were 20 youth who did the virtues introductory program for five days.  Despite the curfew and the social distancing, they were able to get through the 5 days introductory 

They discussed the topic that was given by Linda Kavelin Popov to Be SOCIAL - Build community to come together virtually to share meaningful conversations. 

They also discussed things that can be done during this Covid-19 lockdown and there were quite interesting ideas coming from the youth on how we can move forward.

Twelve of these youth were employed at the various companies but were laid off during this crisis. The other eight youth are universities students. 

The first day for the two hours they learned about the 5 strategies and discussed how important it is to use these tools during this period where people are confused, frustrated, depressed and lonely. 

The rest of the four days the group discussed things that can keep them going forward. 

There shared about the Social media page on Barter for Better Fiji where they can offer their services in cleaning compounds, maintenance work and baking in exchange to groceries.  And few of the youths have tried this barter system and they find it exciting. 

Other activities included learning how to keep the children interested in their school work. Instead of spending time on social media they have offered their services in helping the children with their tasks and in doing so have found it more and more interesting to give service.  

Another idea that was also discussed was how they can help out in doing backyard gardens.  They come up with ideas that each one will buy a packet of different seed.  They will consult about which one in the group has the biggest backyard and they will plant all the seeds and transplant it to their individual household.  They will help each other as a group to set up their home gardens. 

They have noted while doing those things it will keep them busy and not bored during this lockdown. 

The youth agreed that they would share these ideas with other individuals, communities, friends and families around Fiji because this is the only thing that will keep us going if we all work collectively which is social cohesion in practice. 

From this a work plan was discussed so that each of the 20 youth participants would engage with 20 households each month. Virtues Project Fiji will provide a travel allowance to enable the youth to get the buses and carriers needed to get to the locations where they are carrying out their service. They will meet fortnightly with the master facilitator to share their experiences, lessons learned and develop their skills. A focus on the use of the Virtues Pick was discussed as well as what it means to be social and build communities virtually and have meaningful conversations. 

These youth have formed an excellent team and they participated in the in the Drug Free campaign at the beginning of June at Lautoka which is a volunteering program. 

In addition, work continues with meetings and training families to address the issues around the family stress with the lockdown and helping children to deal with the bullying and abuse. As has occurred elsewhere there has been an increase in family violence as people face economic hardship and isolation. 

The master facilitator, Talei, spent three days visiting Benau settlement in the outskirts of Ba township dealing with ten single women who are trying their best to put food on their table.  These women are destitute. Talei was able to correspond with the Lautoka District Council of Social Service to help them with food rations and she also liaised with certain organisations to support them in their need.  Even though they also receive money from social welfare it is not meeting their needs. 

Talei contacted the agriculture department to supply them with seedling for their home garden project and the department will be delivering it today 5th June..