ROTARY DICTIONARIES & DAYS FOR GIRLS KITS DISTRIBUTION PROJECT  

Rotary Club of Auckland Harbourside in partnership with Education First Trust New Zealand successfully completed one-week charitable mission to rural primary schools in Vanua Levu Fiji. From 21 July to 26 July 2025, the team distributed 1170 Rotary Dictionaries and 208 Days for Girls (DFG) Kits to year 5 to year 8 students across 32 Rural Primary Schools in Provinces of Macuata, Bua & Cakaudrove. The Schools were identified and selected in close coordination with the Fiji Ministry of Education.

Rotary Dictionaries – Educational Empowerment: This year marks the tenth year we have distributed Rotary Dictionaries to rural Schools across Fiji Islands. For many students, these dictionaries are their first personal learning resource, fostering literacy and providing an invaluable tool for academic development. The smiles and excitement from the students on receiving their own dictionary reaffirmed the lasting value of this initiative.

Days for Girls Kits – Health and Wellbeing: The distribution of 208 Days for Girls kits was aimed at addressing a vital need - menstrual health education and access to sustainable hygiene products. The kits which included reusable menstrual products along with important health information were provided to year 5 to year 8 girls. Certified trainers DGE Joyti Singh and Anita Booth, assisted by President Amelia Simmons, conducted educational sessions with teachers and the girls, ensuring the girls understood their use and the importance of menstrual hygiene. This initiative empowers girls to attend school regularly with confidence, helping to breakdown barriers to education. 

School Backpacks – additional support: Generously donated by a key sponsor, school backpacks were distributed to most underprivileged students across selected Schools. These practical gifts ensure that the students have the basic means to carry their learning materials, often for the very first time.

Community Partnership and Impact: The heartfelt responses from the students were both humbling and inspiring, underscoring the ongoing need for such projects in Fiji. This mission was made possible through strong collaboration with local partners, including members of Rotary Club of Labasa (Ami Kohli, Edwin Chand, President Amelia Simmons), the Ministry of Education Labasa, Vodafone Labasa and the generous support of sponsors from both New Zealand and Fiji. 

The dedicated team who travelled to Fiji comprised of Project Leader Harjeet Golian, IPDG Vidya Nand, DGE Joyti Singh, Sursen Singh, Chris Booth and Anita Booth.

Their commitment, passion and time, ensured the smooth and successful execution of this project.