Over the July school holidays, a group of Year 12 and 13 students from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, accompanied by staff, travelled to the island of Ovalau in Fiji for a memorable cultural and service trip.
This journey offered students a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful service through teaching, while also experiencing authentic Fijian hospitality and community life.
Each school day, students taught lessons at St James Anglican School in Levuka, working across different age groups. They led activities ranging from art and handwriting to science and music, and introduced sports and playground games that were a huge hit with the children.
In addition to classroom sessions, the group organised a school-wide sports afternoon, filled with relay races and parachute games that “everyone got involved in and we had so much fun cheering everyone on,” according to one participant.
The students were warmly welcomed with a traditional ceremony, which included a kava ritual, flower garlands, and song. At the end of the week, a moving farewell event celebrated the bonds formed during the visit, with Fijian dance performances, music, and a traditional Lovo feast. Students responded in kind, performing a waiata and singing Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself for their hosts.
Accommodation was at New Meda Lodge, a short walk from the school, where the group enjoyed homestyle hospitality and delicious local meals. At the end of the teaching programme, students spent two nights at the Uprising Resort, taking time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of Fiji’s coastline.
Before the trip, students worked hard to gather resources to take with them, including sports equipment, stationery, and craft supplies, which they were able to leave with the school to support learning. One participant highlighted, “We definitely wouldn’t have been able to bring all these resources without everyone who contributed – a big thank you to all of you.”
Some amazing friendships were formed during this experience, and the memories will last a lifetime. The students returned home with a deeper appreciation of Fijian culture, a stronger sense of global citizenship, and gratitude for the generosity and kindness shown by the St James community.
Marsden is proud of our students’ willingness to embrace new experiences and their dedication to making a positive impact through service.
Vinaka vakalevu, Fiji – thank you for the memories.
