As a leader, you may be asked by volunteers about the purpose or aims and objectives of the project. Below are some key languaging and awareness points you may want to refer to, not only for your own understanding but to share with others.
Morning Workshops
Description
- The Morning Workshops aim to stimulate discussions on important topics at a grassroots level.
- The discussions themselves are taking place on behalf of our partners who are utilising our international volunteers as a fantastic opportunity for these discussions to take place whilst also using the project itself as an outreach for existing initiatives, tailored to guide rural Fijian youth to reflect on important topics and become leaders within their communities.
- The sessions are facilitated by TP volunteers and TP community youth members in small groups and are delivered to the rest of the gruop in the village (18-35 year olds).
Purpose
- To stimulate grassroots discussions on topics that are relevant and important to all young people today, often not regularly openly discussed in community settings.
- No one needs to be an expert… positive participation is all we ask for to ensure tangible outcomes for all involved.
- These act as an almost ‘research’ opportunity for our partners with discussions not only having value in themselves but also highlighting areas that can further be supported by our partners after M&E efforts, and highlighting individuals in the community who may be offered further scholarship opportunities.
For further information: Think Pacific Youth Empowerment – Morning Workshop Concept Document
A Build
Purpose – The Build Itself
- The project facilitates and funds the construction of requested infrastructure for a rural community from the Fijian Government.
- These projects act as outreach opportunities for communities which have demand for nursing stations and health centres through requests from the Ministry of Health to expand the provision of medical care and increase the capacity of the local nurses and health teams.
- Once constructed, the building acts as a place of work for the community health worker and a vendor for health supplies delivered by the Ministry of Health for the community and surrounding region.
Purpose – The Wider Purpose
- The firm aim is that the building itself is a product of a training initiative. Each Think Pacific build project has a Build Manager employed to oversee the construction, to guide the team through the construction itself and also to train local youths who are participating. Prior to you entering a village, x5 youth members of the community are selected to be up-skilled in carpentry under the guidance of the build manager, they not only gain skills and knowledge in a valuable space for themselves and the community but they also receive qualifications, furthering employment opportunities and expanding their experience.
- Any Think Pacific project acts as a fundraising initiative, and aside from the immediate funds that are going into the project itself, further funds are allocated to further community development, future training initiatives within rural communities and continued investment into youth groups through monitoring and evaluation efforts.
Culture Course
Description
- Through immersion, the programme aims to educate project participants about the nuances of indigenous Fijian culture through structured sessions delivered by members of the community youth group and Think Pacific leaders.
- This is not a one way street however as through discussing elements of indigenous Fijian culture in depth, both parties (participants and community members) will be simultaneously engaging in a cross-cultural examimination of what makes up ‘culture’ and ‘people’ more broadly, excercising skills in appreciating new perspectives through discussion and reflection.
Purpose
- The course is set up to encourage an appropriate mindset from participants during the project, facilitate a meaningful experience for them but also works towards wider goals.
- In line with goals set out by the Ministry of iTaukei affairs contained in the FNDP, it aims to stimulate engagement with and revitalisation of local customs and traditions amongst rural youth.
- It aims to harness a pride in one’s culture and upbringing as well as practicing skills and communicating knowledge that defines the region and Fiji more broadly.
- It ensures that all involved are learning cross-cultural skills through experience which can not only support the rest of the aims during the project, but participants can also utilise moving forward.
For further information: Think Pacific – Culture Course Concept Document (leaders)