Helping out schools in Fiji

We've been to Fiji twice before, but only island hopping. This time round we're on the mainland with a kid (&car) and want to drop will inevitably visit some schools.

In short - we're relatively loaded and they aren't. What would a school want? I can buy $200USD of coloured pencils but does the school actually want them?

Can anyone suggest ideas of what Fiji schools may nead?

How about some DVDs? Most schools probably have, or have access to, DVD players and TV sets.

On our trips to the SP we usually take a couple of dozen with us. I think you'll find that good wholesome movies, documentaries on different cultures and nature would be well received. Especially things having to do with environments similar to their own.

My wife gleans the $5 DVD counter at WalMart all year in preparation for our trips south.

We think it helps dilute the waves of gangsta rap and trash that usually comes from the US. And... they'll appreciate that they aren't pirated copies.

On our last trip to the outer Cooks we rounded up some old Flip video cameras we and some friends had. We gave away four of them and the teachers loved it. They use them to video the kids at events and sports activities. They can upload the videos real easy for viewing on TV for the whole class. And...if the local community has a TV channel, they can broadcast them as well.

Also... pack all the stuff in a cooler (chilly bin) and leave that with a school. They'll use it for field trips and school outings.

Do DVDs from N. America work in Fiji? I took one to Australia and it was not good and I think Fiji is on the same system. Same happened when I bought one in the UK, didn't work here. Our systems are different (remember when videos were not compatible?)

North and South America mostly use the NTSC video standard while most of the rest of the world uses PAL. Exceptions are Japan, Taiwan and S. Korea which use NTSC.

It follows the 110v/60c vs the 220v/50c electrical service thing pretty closely.

Most standard definition players manufactured in China, Japan, Mexico or S. Korea manufactured in the last five years will play both PAL and NTSC.

Okay, good to know. Thanks.

We have just come home after volunteering for 2 years in a charity daycare centre for underprivileged kids in Lautoka.
They can use resources if you are "loaded" :-)

Most things they need are available locally if they can find the money. Some stuff is only available in Suva though and there is a lot of junk.
Your pencils would be valued. They tend to buy junk because of the price.

Resources for staff are just as much in need and more fundamental stuff like fire extinguishers and electrical safety, safe water and soap.

The other thing we did was start a fruit and vegi garden and teach kids, staff and families about healthy food and how to clean their teeth properly. We supplied each kid with tooth brushes and paste which are available are low cost locally.

Cheers,
Peter

I would suggest you email the schools direct to find out exactly what they want, that way you are not spending your money on things they don't need and instead spending your money on much needed items... I wouldn't get DVDs as they cost between FJ$2 to FJ$3 here (in Fiji) so you would be wasting your money buying them in the US (just trying to help you get more bang for your buck).... I would also suggest maybe contacting orphanages as they do not receive much government funding and do not have fees to help them keep afloat financially, unlike schools who have school fees (which are compulsory)... Either way, good on you for helping!!!!

We normally pay students school fees.

Approach School Headmaster( Primary )/Principal ( Secondary ) and pay students outstanding School and Exam Fees.

Schools are funded by Govt. but some students cannot afford to pay for school fees, exam fees, school uniforms, school books, etc.

Approach School Headmaster( Primary )/Principal ( Secondary ) and pay students outstanding School and Exam Fees.

Strongly seconded. Paying outstanding school or exam fees helps the school, as they get the money, and the particular student(s). I use to do and recommend that in Samoa too - some times really brilliant students cannot sit their exam and get a certificate because they simply cannot afford the extra fee. Your contribution would have maximum impact like this; much more than bringing crayons or DVDs.

However, supporting an orphanage might be another useful option. I do not know about the situation in Fiji in this regard. We do not have that in Samoa.