Name: Ayesha Shah-Simmons

University: York St John University

Degree: Psychology

Year of study? Second Year

From the second you arrive in the village, you are greeted by swarms of children wanting to hold your hand and carry your bags into the houses. The village was absolutely amazing! We all lived near each other and felt like a massive family. It’s a whole new world you become immersed in; Fijian culture and all their traditions it just becomes second nature to you. In my household there was Lewa (mum) Tou (dad) and three younger brothers who I adored. It’s amazing how you never once hear them complain or ask for more. From the moment you wake up until you go to sleep they are always so happy and full of life, constantly asking how we are and if we need anything. It’s wonderful to be around so much positivity all the time, especially from the children. It’s a real eye opener to see the difference in both the adults and children when there is no social media or phones to tell them how to think or what is ‘perfect’.

 

Where I saw the most difference was in the one to one lessons with the children struggling the most. In the three weeks I saw an improvement in two children from class 3. When we entered into the classrooms they struggled with the alphabet, which made it hard for them to try and read in the class. By the end of the three weeks they were able to recognize words and understand what they mean. The sports program was amazing in the school; the children were so enthusiastic and were up for anything. My favorite part was when all of the volunteers joined in with the whole school to do a massive Zumba class, the children loved it.

 

I have so many amazing memories from Fiji but one of my favorites has to be the 3 hour truck journey up to the waterfalls. With about 25 adults and 25 children squashed into this little truck, it was hilarious trying to get everyone in, going up and down rocky roads. The volunteers were singing throwback songs from the 90’s and the Fijian children singing Fijian songs on the way back to the village. I loved the fact that my host parents gave me the responsibility to take their three boys out for the day not knowing where we were going or how long it would take, I really enjoyed being their big sister. J The waterfalls were truly amazing!

 

My Think Pacific experience has been the best thing I have ever done. I was very hesitant about signing up for it purely on the basis that I didn’t know anything about Fiji and that it’s on the other side of the world! I absolutely loved it and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. For me the project massively increased my confidence. I feel like it changed me and the way I think about things back in England. The knowledge and skills I have gained from this experience will definitely be taken back into my university routine; I feel like I’m more determined than ever. The relationships I have formed with my host Fijian family and friends from the village are irreplaceable. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. To all the Think Pacific team in the UK and in Fiji, the work you’re doing is life changing and I would tell anyone thinking about doing a project to but everything you got into it and go for it!

 

Vinaka Vaka Levu!

 

Ayesha