During the Term 2 holidays, I had the chance to travel to Suva, Fiji, as part of the Pacific Sister Project - a youth-led initiative I founded to support girls and young women living in communities vulnerable to the impacts of drug addiction and public health challenges. Fiji plays a key role as a transit point in the South Pacific drug trade, with many trafficked narcotics directed towards New Zealand. Supporting transnational community resilience isn’t just about helping others - it also contributes to safeguarding our communities.

 

During my visit, I delivered 260 of 1,000 health kits in partnership with the Fiji Red Cross, guided by the Fiji Ministry of Health. These included essential items like sanitary pads, condoms, and HIV self-testing kits, along with educational resources about drug harm prevention (partnered with Drug Free World New Zealand).

 

To begin, I donated resources to Survivors Advocacy Network (SANS), a safe house for sex workers facing addiction and violence. I assisted SANS and Drug Free World Fiji with their outreach efforts at the Fiji Showcase, the biggest annual trade show in Fiji. I presented my project and future proposals at the biennial Red Cross National Youth Forum, which gathered elected youth leaders from all 16 branches of Red Cross Fiji. I also worked with Aruka Fiji, a local NGO protecting street dwellers, to distribute materials along the streets of Suva. Toward the end of my trip, Fiji National University also got in touch with me to propose a collaboration through their new FNU Association. I’ve since been invited to speak at their upcoming open day, with over 20,000 estimated attendees across campuses. 

 

For now, I am continuing to work with the Red Cross Executive to reduce barriers in customs for donated goods. I am also shipping the rest of the 1,000 health packages to Fiji.

 

What struck me most was not only the resilience of these young girls, but the warmth and strength of the communities rallying around them. Their strength reminded me that meaningful change starts with compassion, humility, and a willingness to listen. 

 

By Cecilia Lin, Kristin Head Prefect 2024/25