University of Liverpool Students Complete Projects in Fiji, Backed By Turing Scheme
This summer, 55 students from the University of Liverpool joined Think Pacific on a variety of community development projects in Fiji. The projects included; mental health initiatives, youth empowerment, sports development and a community build.
Funded by the university through the new Turing Scheme, this experience was a huge success at demonstrating the impact global mobility can have on both students and host communities.
In partnership with the Fiji Government, Ministry of Health and local partners, these projects have contributed to Fiji’s National Development Plan and the UN’s Sustainability Goals.
Global Mobility and the Turing Scheme
Launched in 2021, the Turing Scheme has replaced the Erasmus+ programme in providing funding for participants in UK universities, colleges, and schools, to go on international study and work placements.
The University of Liverpool successfully applied for Turing Scheme funding to help their students embark on a unique 4 week global, work-based programme in the Fiji Islands led by Think Pacific, in partnership with the Fijian Government and other local partners.
Throughout the project, participating students expanded their cultural fluency and global citizenship, as well as accessing Think Pacific’s influential partners at an international level.
Project Locations
The University of Liverpool students joined some of the first projects in the Fiji Islands since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
They lived in some incredibly special locations, including Malake village in the Ra province.
Each village is unique, bringing individual challenges and opportunities… but all offering an unfiltered experience of the true Fiji.
What Was Project Like for Liverpool Students?
Focusing on one of the four themes (mental health initiatives, youth empowerment, sports development and a community build) Liverpool students were able to tailor the experience to their personal and academic interests.
“I was able to build relationships much faster and deeper than normal…”
Joseph Tattersall spoke with Think Pacific director Nigel Scott, in the video below, about his time in Fiji, and discussed the experience as a whole and the value he gained from the project.
“I am very thankful for the unique opportunity and experience I have been given and would like to owe my gratitude to University of Liverpool for making this trip possible.” – Jed Getling
Fellow Liverpool student, Jed Getling, also shares some of his favourite memories from the project in the LinkedIn post below.
“A way to humble myself” – Sharon Baines
Final year student, Sharon Baines, shares her experience of the Community Build project.
“Being adopted into their homes and learning about Fijian culture has been a privilege, and with only 4 days to go I already feel nostalgic and nowhere near ready to leave.” – Abbie Hunter
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“Truly cannot express my love for this country and village, my new home away from home.” – Anna-Maria Hartley
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“Nayavutoka…. I miss you so much” – Georgia Lea
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“Volunteering & living in rural Fiji has hands down been one of the experiences of my life. I now have a beautiful home away from home with an amazing host family, and I’ve met the most incredible people. I’m beyond grateful for every minute” – Avni Savjani
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Looking to the Future
We are thrilled to have been joined by such dedicated and focused Liverpool students in Fiji this year. As travel continues to open up, we are excited to build upon this strong foundation and bring out even more students next year, in partnership with the university and the Turing Scheme.
Want to learn more about our projects in Fiji?
Watch the video below or click here to explore our programmes.