Changing the Culture of Violence in Fiji

The small island nation of Fiji confronts challenges that echo across the world:   drugs, alcohol, violence against women and children, all under the shadow of poverty.  Marijuana grows very easily and the hard drugs come into the country.  Drug cartels use Fiji as a through passage to Australia and New Zealand, leaving their poison for the people in Fiji.

Yet, a beacon of hope has emerged.  A number of Fiji youth, guided by The Virtues ProjectTM (TVP), are lighting a path toward positive change. These young peer educators reach out into communities around Fiji to advocate the Five Strategies of TVP and their importance.  

Through connections in their respective youth group, church group and other community based programs, they were able to present how The Virtues Project teaches people a new way to think, act, and speak.  Their main focus is to help as many people as possible to understand how the Five Strategies will better their lives.

Once visitation is done, the peer educators would go back and have a general discussion with interested individuals asking how they have been practicing the strategies in their daily lives.

Most individuals will try to do their best in the way they think, act and speak.  Those who interviewed agreed that at times they fall short but once they see the virtues cards it reminds them again of how they act and speak kindly and see things positively despite the negative situation they are going through.

 As outcomes of these programs, individuals were was able to

1. Create circles of friends that do positive things that build relationships and encourage one another in addressing negative behaviour.
2. Help one another to share their journey in their life stories.
3. Build courage to be able to speak the truth.
4. Help one another in sharing skills, knowledge and ideas for the betterment of individuals.
5. Forgive others through humility and understanding.

More than 100 families from different districts were visited in Fiji in March, April and May.

The Master Facilitator, a steadfast guide in this journey, with support from the youth, also takes on various activities.  In early July she visited four families in the Nawaka area for virtues enlightenment and was surprised that those families realized the importance of spending time together. This was new to some families due to the commitment in their work and other unnecessary stuff.

They did a sharing circle where they spoke of one strategy and shared stories on how it relates to their individual lives. It was a very emotional session because the participants share what is going on in their daily lives personally.

In Lautoka the Master Facilitator came across an issue where a young teenage girl is pregnant and the boyfriend does not show interest in her.  Because that boyfriend doesn’t show any consideration for her she ends up punishing herself.  When she was companioned, it was found that she was emotionally disturbed despite her family accepting her mistake.  After being companioned, she realised that it was not the end of the world.  She just has to keep herself happy so that she can deliver a healthy baby.  She also came up with the idea that she will continue to pursue her studies after giving birth.

Imagine if there are others going through the same situation and there is no one to listen to their stories.  It is no wonder people are committing suicide.  That is why mental health is important.  A few youth went with the Master Facilitator to visit stakeholders that deal with mental health and see how our program can assist them.

In addition to these activities three youth facilitators went to their home village on a remote Island in Fiji.  While they were there the police raided a marijuana plantation near their village and took 4 youth into custody.  Only one was  from that village, the others from Suva city.  The village was so upset that this happened and their name was associated with this crime.  The youth facilitators were able to hold sessions with village members and explain how the Five Strategies of The Virtues Project work. They pointed out that the youth in their community have to have a sense of purpose so they do not engage in illegal activities.

In this remote island village, the impact transcended expectations.  Amid challenges, our youth facilitators shed light on The Virtues Project, revealing a path of purpose.  They steer their community away from illegal activities, fostering a sense of belonging and hope.  Through The Virtues Project, Fiji's youth emerge as beacons of resilience, guiding their peers toward a brighter tomorrow.

Your support continues to drive our progress. Together, we paint a future brimming with virtues, illuminating the darkest corners with the light of positivity.