Theme:  “The Heart, Head and Hands of Learning and Giving”

The Year 8 Community Project is an essential component of the IB Middle Years Programme, designed to promote community awareness, collaboration, and personal growth. Under the theme “The Heart, Head, and Hands of Learning and Giving,” students engaged with local issues through meaningful, hands-on projects. Working in groups, they collaborated with 12 local communities, selecting causes that resonated with them and focusing on creating positive change.

The 2024 projects showcased the students’ creativity and commitment to service. One notable initiative was a blood drive organized during the ISS Fun Day, which helped support Fiji’s blood bank. Two groups partnered with local orphanages, St. Christopher’s Home and Dilkusha Home, with one group focusing on advocacy to raise awareness about the challenges faced by orphaned children. Additionally, two groups worked with Father Law Home, a residence for the elderly—one group raised funds to provide dryers, a washing machine and toiletries, while the other organized social activities and collaborated with the ISS PTA Impact Fund to supply essential cleaning agents.

Education-focused projects included the “Au Kila e dua na Gone” initiative with John Wesley Primary School, “Nuitaka me Vuli” with St Joseph the Worker and the “Vakabulai Project” with the Gospel School for the Deaf, each addressing specific needs within the schools. Mental health was another significant focus: the Vakabauta Boys’ group raised funds to purchase toiletries and custom-made mattresses for St. Giles Hospital, Fiji’s only psychiatric hospital, while the Green Ribbon Project produced a video advocating for teenage mental health awareness. The Ose Project dedicated its efforts to supporting Fiji’s only Horse Sanctuary, focusing on the care and rehabilitation of rescued horses.

Throughout these initiatives, students developed vital skills, including planning, teamwork, problem-solving and effective communication. They learned to manage tasks and present their projects, gaining a deeper appreciation for the value of collaboration and community service.

The impact of these initiatives was felt throughout the community, with organizations and individuals expressing gratitude for the students’ dedication and hard work. From the blood drive to advocacy efforts and educational support, the students’ contributions demonstrated how young people can effect positive change in their communities.

Reflecting on their experiences, students expressed pride in their contributions and a newfound understanding of teamwork and resilience. The 2024 Year 8 Community Project empowered them to grow as compassionate global citizens and inspired them to continue making a positive difference together.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all parents, students, companies and businesses that supported these projects, particularly in fundraising efforts. A special acknowledgment goes to the ISS PTA Impact Fund, which partnered with four project groups, contributing over $2,000. This support was instrumental in helping students achieve their goals. We look forward to continued collaboration and community engagement in future projects, as we strive to embody the heart, head and hands of learning and giving.