In the first week of June, seventeen of our Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable service trip to Fiji as part of our Experiential Learning Week. What unfolded was far more than an adventure; it was a journey of heart, humility, and deep human connection.

The week began at Natadola Beach, where the students were welcomed by white sands, sparkling water, and the relaxed rhythms of island life. But later that evening, back at our Momi Bay base, the tone shifted into something far more profound: we were invited to participate in a traditional sevusevu ceremony. Wearing sulus and sitting with quiet reverence, our students joined in the offering of kava — a Fijian ritual that symbolises respect, gratitude, and the sharing of culture. That first evening, Fiji opened its arms to us, and our students embraced the experience wholeheartedly.

Day two began with a hike across the Sigatoka Sand Dunes — a stunning and sacred landscape, believed to be one of the earliest settlement sites of the Fijian people. As the students climbed the windswept hills, they absorbed not only the beauty of the land but also its story. Later that day, they took action to protect it: building beach tepees to stabilise the dunes and preserve them for future generations. Their work continued with a beach clean-up, followed by a visit to Sigatoka town to explore the lively local market — a chance to see how community and culture blend in everyday life.

That afternoon, students sat in a traditional pottery workshop, shaping clay into their own creations under the guidance of a Fijian craftswomen. These pieces — now taken home to Hong Kong — are more than just souvenirs. They are symbols of patience, of listening, and of the human connections we formed throughout the week.

On the third day, our group got their first full taste of what it means to serve. In the morning, they walked to a local pineapple farm, where they discovered the backbreaking work of farming by hand on steep, machine-inaccessible land. Their efforts that day saved the farmer days of labour — and left our students with sore muscles and full hearts.

In the afternoon, the students helped prepare an Indo-Fijian meal of chicken curry, roti, and rice — not for themselves, but for others. The food was delivered to The Hart House, a local women’s shelter. There, we were welcomed with a heartfelt prayer and a depth of warmth that words can’t fully capture. Our students served meals to around 70 residents before spending time playing and laughing with the local children. The smiles, the hand-holding, the joy — it was pure, unfiltered connection.

The following day brought wonder and reflection. We set off on a boat to explore the surrounding islands, stopping at Cloud Break — one of the world’s most famous surf spots — and a sandbank where students snorkelled among vibrant marine life just off the coast of Viti Levu. That evening, a traditional Fijian performance of singing and dancing told stories of ancestors, of survival, of joy. Our students didn’t just watch; they understood. They had learned how storytelling lives in every Fijian smile and song.

On our final day, we enjoyed some light-hearted fun at the local mud baths and did some last-minute souvenir shopping. But the most powerful moment came later that evening during our closing circle. Each student reflected on their week — on what they saw, who they met, and how they had changed. Many spoke of greater awareness, deeper gratitude, and a sense of responsibility to give back.

This trip was more than an adventure. It was a deep lesson in understanding, awareness, and gratitude. Our students didn’t just learn about Fijian culture – they lived it. They served with open hearts, listened with respect, and grew as young global citizens. Everyone was touched by the connections made, and every one of us brings a little piece of Fiji back home – in our memories, in our hearts, and in the way we see the world.

Vinaka vaka levu, Fiji – thank you for your warmth, your stories, and your spirit.