PR - Youth Fest 2017

It is with much honour and excitement that we announce a successful Youth Fest 2017 executed by ACT: Fiji in collaboration with Fiji National University (FNU) & Fiji School of Medicine (FSM) student association and World Peace Initiative (WPI).

Youth Fest 2017 had five major events take place through out the week in the lead up to International Youth Day (IYD) on 12 August.

The theme for  IYD 2017 was Youth Building Peace therefore we started the week by commemorating the 72nd Hiroshima Peace event. With assistance from Japan Pacific Alumni Association (JPAA) the event was organized at the Japan Pacific ICT theatre at USP. Speakers at the event shared on Peace and role of youth in achieving Peace, personal experiences as they visited Hiroshima in Japan and shared more about the Nuclear blast that happened in 1945, followed by a meditation session.

The Thoughts Aloud programme took place on Thursday at the FSM Pasifika campus and saw performers share spoken words, poetry and songs. The theme included; gender equality, environment, human rights, rape, personal choices, sexual orientation, mental health and technology.

Friday was the Lunch Box event whereby the group shared lunch packs (food, fruit and water) with the less fortunate on the streets of Suva. Donations were received from the University of the South Pacific (USP) Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE), Research Innovation and International (RI&I), Department of Development, marketing, communications and alumni (DMCA) and contributions from ACT: Fiji members and friends.

The week concluded with the Youth Advocacy Workshop held at the FSM Pasifika Campus from 9am - 3pm. The sessions included; Theatre for advocacy, Human Rights, Multiculturalism, Social Issues and using creative ideas to advocate on these issues. The sessions were very interactive and as feedback participants shared that they enjoyed the sessions very much.
"I have attended many workshops but never an Advocacy workshop." shared one participant.
We are in discussions to host similar workshops with other organizations that were represented at the workshop. This was not only an opportunity for the ACT team to share creative arts for advocacy but also network with other groups for future collaboration.
Later that evening was the Mai Talanoa panel discussion.
Mr. Elvis Kumar was named as the Youth of Honour for his work in the area of Peace.
The speakers on the two panels shared on; Youth and Education; Mental Health (and suicide prevention); Peace; Environment and Climate Change; International Youth Engagement and Youth volunteering and Artivism. The discussions were rich and the networking opportunity was a great one.

Elvis Kumar, Liesl Low, Elisha Bano, Erna T, Salman Raza. 

We hope to engage in more projects through these collaborations and networking.

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PR: 72nd Hiroshima Peace Memorial Event

Date: 7 August 2017
Venue: Japan Pacific ICT Theatre, USP.

72nd Hiroshima Peace Memorial Event

6 August 1945 a day to be remembered in Hiroshima, Japan and across the world as the day a Nuclear Atomic Bomb devastated the lives of thousands. 72 years later and the few surviving members of the horrendous blast can still recollect their memory as if the event happened yesterday. 

Members of ACT: Fiji decided to begin their programme for Youth Fest by commemorating this day first as the theme for the International Youth Day 2017 is Youth Building Peace. In collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Fiji, Japan Pacific Alumni Association (JPAA) and the World Peace Initiative (WPI) a Peace event was hosted from 10am - 11.30am at the Japan Pacific ICT Theatre, USP. 

The event was opened by a welcome address from the founder and coordinator of ACT: Fiji, Ms. Elisha Bano, who highlighted her experience to Hiroshima last year and shared photos from her visit to the Hiroshima Peace Museum. She spoke about what peace meant to her and the importance of youth working together towards achieving peace. 

"We as a youth group decided to begin our celebration for youth by marking this day first. Peace is important. Inner peace is important first. We must be at peace with our self before we can promote peace with others. This Youth Fest is important for us as this is the first of its kind that we are hosting. And we hope to continue with such initiatives and achieve peace with collaboration, tolerance and sharing"

Following this was the address by the First Secretary of Embassy of Japan in Fiji and shared with the audience more details on this event. He also shared information about the JENESYS Exchange programme and scholarship opportunities given to Pacific Island Youth from the Government of Japan. Such diplomacy ties are helping our countries grow together in harmony.

Organizers, presenters and some members of the audience at the event

Furthermore, a Peace and Meditation session was conducted by Mr. Elvis Kumar the Pacific Coordinator of the World Peace Initiative (WPI). 

"As the theme for this year's International Youth Day is Youth Building Peace, I urge all young people to work towards finding their inner peace first and have an appropriate mindset to work towards building peace in the society".

Before the vote of thanks was shared the audience from Political activist Mr. Ben Daveta who shared the importance of youth engagement and participation. He stressed; "You dont have to be political to be an activist." He further elaborated on youth needing to engage more in events such these organized for them. 

The event marked the opening of Youth Fest and the next event will be help on Thursday at the FSM Pasifika Campus. The Thoughts Aloud event will see a number of youths share their creative pieces in the form of Storytelling, poetry, spoken words and skits.

Members of ACT: Fiji; JPAA and WPI after the event

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PR: OBR Pacific 2017

One Billion Rising (OBR) Pacific team hosted a Spoken Words evening last night at the USP Performance Space, kindly sponsored by the FALE department at USP.

The evening was opened by Charlotte Taylor, the Chief Guest, who is a lecturer at the University and the chairperson of the Graduate Women of Fiji (GWF).

“THIS YEAR, WE ARE RISING IN SOLIDARITY AGAINST THE EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN. Women in all fields and this are more so in the field of STEM. And this is the focus of GWF to providing opportunities to girls to pursue their dreams of achieving higher quality education in STEM and to feel safe; emotionally socially and financially, in their choice.”

MC's, performers and the team behind the scene 

During the event young women shared spoken words pieces that they have written sharing various issues that concern them. These ranged from violence against women, inequality, traditions, religion, catcalling, sex and vocabulary. While the event saw some regulars to the OBR event it was refreshing to see some new faces participate in the Spoken words event as well as in the audience.

“OBR has been celebrated in Fiji since 2013. I am honored to have been a part of it since inception and I think each year I look forward to this with much eagerness. It is a platform for us, young women, to raise our voices and speak our minds. We have the opportunity to use this safe space and change minds. We are truly using creative means of advocating on social issues. It is a powerful space.” says Elisha Bano, Coordinator OBR Pacific.

“It was an amazing space where newcomers to spoken words felt comfortable enough to share their pieces, express themselves and inspire others, performer Sian Rolls.  

The event was organized by volunteers from Advocacy (through) Creative Techniques (ACT) and Emerging Leaders Forum Alumni (ELFA).

“Such events empower women to share their honest feelings about various issues. We have recorded the performances and now we will upload them to our YouTube channel and share it with an even wider audience.” Aatika Patel, Media Liaison, ACT.

Photo credit: ACT

“It was great to see a lot of new faces. The performances were powerful, emotional and epic which made it a lovely night and safe space,” says co-MC Chandra Fisiiahi of ELFA.

The event concluded with the demonstration of the ever so empowering Break the Chain dance routine being performed and was possible with the sponsorships received from USP FALE, DJ Skitz and Phoenix designs. 

OBR 2017

One Billion Rising

One Billion Rising, OBR,  is a global campaign that began in 2013. We, as young people, have supported the campaign since its inception and this year is no different. 
The 2017 campaign focuses on RISE! DISRUPT! CONNECT! as the theme and we hope to have more women and girls join the cause to come out and BREAK FREE! 

Annually we convene to rehearse to Break the Chain and perform it where given a chance. This year, 2017, we have been fortunate enough to receive the support from the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE) at the University of the South Pacific (USP). 
FALE has kindly sponsored their Performance Space to be used for dance rehearsals and to host the Spoken Words evening on Feb 14 - the day of the event. V-DAY.



On this V-DAY we are hosting a Spoken Words event and we are inviting all interested women and girls to come and make use of the space. 
Share your stories.
Rise to the occasion. 
Disrupt the norms. 
Connect with others.
Be the revolution. 

To register for the event simply send us an email on actfiji@gmail.com with your name and phone number and turn up to the event. 
There is no registration fee BUT spaces are limited. 
The performance will take place on February 14, 2017 (Tuesday) from 6pm at the AusPac Performance Space (092-002) at USP. 
EVERYONE is invited to attend the event and support our women and girls as their create a revolution. 
As they RISE. 
As they DISRUPT. 
As they CONNECT. 

In solidarity!!! 
Team ACT: Fiji 

ACT:FJ Coordinator listed as Pacific region finalist for 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker of the year

1 Nov 2016

ACT:FJ Coordinator listed as Pacific region finalist for 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker of the year

In 2015 Elisha Bano was awarded the Queens Young Leader and she was the first form Fiji to be honoured with this achievement.

And now in 2016 Elisha is listed as a finalist (along another four) for the Pacific region nominated for the Commonwealth Youth Worker of the year.

There are a total of 20 youth workers from the Commonwealth countries and regions who have been listed in for this prestigious recognition. Next week the Commonwealth Secretariat will announce the regional winners and later the overall winner.

Elisha founded Advocacy (through) Creative Techniques [ACT: Fj] in 2014. This is a youth group that aims to use creative methods of social advocacy especially among youths in Fiji. Currently the group comprises of six youths from across Fiji and they engage in theater, spoken words, storytelling, social media and creative merchandise to advocate on social issues.

We are extremely proud of Elisha’s nomination for this recognition and wish her well for the final selection.

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Na Koro Market: Sept 2016

Na Koro Market: September 2016

ACT: Fj members are now volunteering at the Na Koro Market. Why? We simply love the idea of this market where the entire family can come and enjoy. Children can play while parents can shop. The entire family is able to enjoy the great outdoors, listen to some amazing music, shop and relax at the same time. Its the ideal picnic in the park. 

This month, September, ACT: FJ focused on the Sustainable Development Goal #16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. We launched our "Once Upon A Story" session with the little ones and read to them a story that we wrote. 

The story uses an engaging and interactive style where the children are asked questions in between and after the story. We, as the storyteller, get a sense of what the children felt at the different stages of the story and what they would when in such a situation. We must admit the children we engaged with at the market were very creative and peaceful thinking. Judging from the enthusiasm from the children we will surely prepare a new story for next month and continue with this project.

The ACT: FJ volunteers also assisted Nature Fiji with their childrens games. The childrens at the Na Koro market sure know how to keep you on your toes. However, the games from Nature Fiji are excellent way of teaching the children about endangered animals in Fiji. 

The Na Koro Market takes place on the first Sunday of every month at the Suva Museum. The fun filled day with vendors selling food, handicrafts, clothes, shoes, books and so much more is a great place to come for Sunday brunch, lunch or even snacks. Additional to the wonderful stalls there are stalls that cater for kids activities. This month kids engaged in some woodwork, quilting, button art, face-painting and storytelling. With the live music it was really a place where everyone in the family could enjoy. 

Suva Museum has a great lawn with ample trees providing shade and the large lawn area where families enjoyed on large mats and on the park benches. 

You can read about the event in the Fiji Times as well and we thank Fiji Times for talking to us and mentioning our work here at the market. 












If you missed out on the September market be sure to come by to the October Market which will be held on 2 October 2016. 

Our video for the market can be seen on our YouTube channel Nakoro Market September

Oceania Self-Discovery Camp 2016

Oceania Youths on the move to establish sustainable world peace

Peace Revolution, a project of the World Peace Initiative Foundation has made it to the Oceania after training over 400 young leaders and activists in their international fellowships and having over 44,000 people taking part in their online self-development program from the other 4 Regions. Peace Revolution is focused on youth self-development through the use of inner peace tools, focusing mainly on young leaders and change-makers.

Elvis Kumar, a member of Advocacy through Creative Techniques – Fiji (Youth Group) and student of The University of the South Pacific, has been recognized as the first Peace Agent of Fiji by WPI Foundation.

He has assisted in organizing the 1^st Oceania Self-Discovery Camp which was hosted at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi from 30^th August till 4^th September, 2016. 

The Camp was fully funded by the WPI Foundation. A total of 25 young people from 9 Pacific Nations took part in the Camp. Participants were from Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa and Tuvalu.

“I am really glad that there was a fair representation from the Pacific Island Countries and the young people actually showed interest in getting trained for meditation practices and self-development courses and engaged in discussions on topics such as Sustainability and Peace”, said Elvis Kumar. 

He added that an alumni club has been implemented and they will be working together with WPI to organize an event for the International Day of Peace on 21^st September.

“I was so impressed with this Oceanic Self-discovery Camp in Fiji. And this is just a beginning of the journey to spread peace in the Pacific islands. We hope Pacific people will welcome this valuable knowledge of the East to help empower oneself to better know oneself & others”, said the Managing Director of WPI Foundation, Ms Worakate Thangsurbkul.

Elvis Kumar has been an active member of ACT:Fiji youth group, Highest Commendable Runner-Up for the Queen’s Young Leaders Award 2016 and also an Associate Fellow in the Royal Commonwealth Society.