RYPEN Fiji 2025, 2 to 4 May 2025, Namosi Eco-Retreat
The idea of running the Rotary youth program RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) have been in discussion with the Rotary D9920 Youth Committee since 2021 and Rotarians in Fiji as well as the RYLArians.
It was decided that we will run the RYPEN program in Fiji together with the RYLA graduates from Fiji and the Rotaractors. In Jun 2024 at the conclusion of RYLA 2024, the idea of RYPEN Fiji was added to the already busy schedule of RYPEN program and “Breaking Barriers”Disability Day.
The idea of running the Rotary youth program RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) have been in discussion with the Rotary D9920 Youth Committee since 2021 and Rotarians in Fiji as well as the RYLArians.
It was decided that we will run the RYPEN program in Fiji together with the RYLA graduates from Fiji and the Rotaractors. In Jun 2024 at the conclusion of RYLA 2024, the idea of RYPEN Fiji was added to the already busy schedule of RYPEN program and “Breaking Barriers”Disability Day.
The inaugural group of leaders and attendees at RYPEN Fiji 2025
Planning for the program started in September 2024 with Rotarian Erica tasked with checking out suitable venues that can meet our needs as well a cost effective. Namosi Eco-Retreat was chosen as it provided accommodation, catering and incredible activities for the weekend.
It was decided that the focus will be only for schools in Suva before duplicating the program to other schools in Nadi and Lautoka.
It was decided that the focus will be only for schools in Suva before duplicating the program to other schools in Nadi and Lautoka.
The Fijian Committee team (lead: Margaret)
Margaret Bavadra
Erica Lee
Vineeta Nand
The Fijian volunteers/team leaders for the weekend
Margaret Bavadra Eserani Munivai
Sidharth Sharma Reshma Singh
Tarusila Monish Reddy
Kamniyata Kaajal Siainiu Fidow
Vasiti Soela Taganivalu Maikali Barenage
Margaret Bavadra
Erica Lee
Vineeta Nand
The Fijian volunteers/team leaders for the weekend
Margaret Bavadra Eserani Munivai
Sidharth Sharma Reshma Singh
Tarusila Monish Reddy
Kamniyata Kaajal Siainiu Fidow
Vasiti Soela Taganivalu Maikali Barenage
The NZ team (lead: Ainie Kwok)
Caitlin Day Caitlin Lorigan
Jessie Scott Patrick Deane
Joe Aviu Kelly Botha
Levi Epsom Paula Katoa
Ella Watson (did not travel)
Amber Turner (did not travel)
Khorshed Tarapore (did not travel)
Caitlin Day Caitlin Lorigan
Jessie Scott Patrick Deane
Joe Aviu Kelly Botha
Levi Epsom Paula Katoa
Ella Watson (did not travel)
Amber Turner (did not travel)
Khorshed Tarapore (did not travel)
The NZ team raised funds for travel costs through raffles, carpark duties at Mt Smart Stadium, and a cocktail evening hosted by David & Rosie Bradshaw, RC Newmarket member. The remaining travel costs were paid for by themselves. With only 3 Rotary Clubs in Suva (Suva, Suva East & Suva Peninsula), each club contributed FJD2500.00 to the program. Sponsorships efforts were then sought from the NZ Rotary Clubs. Without the financial contributions from the generous clubs and private individuals, the event will not be possible. A huge gratitude to all clubs and members that have contributed to the program.
The deposits received from sponsorships and contributions from other NZ Rotary Clubs were paid to RNZWCS as per protocol.
The deposits received from sponsorships and contributions from other NZ Rotary Clubs were paid to RNZWCS as per protocol.
35 students registered from 5 schools – John Wesley College, Yat Sen Secondary School, Marist Brothers School, Ratu Kadavulevu School and Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.
The collaboration between the Fijian Rotaractors and NZ teams have been incredible.
Future offshore RYPEN program
Support from NZ Rotary clubs and offshore Rotary clubs is essential in delivering future RYPEN program.
From the students’ feedback (attached), we can conclude that the principles and core values of the RYPEN program has been truly delivered and meeting the social impact to the community and beyond.
Quotes from students:
“Program has helped inspire me to do more like this or to be part of something like this in the future.”
“TBH, since Fiji is having highest drug issues, especially towards high school students the program is good and should be extended.”
‘Would like to thank the RYPEN Program for the great opportunity. Helps me to be confident and open minded and working together is the only thing that keeps us moving.”
The collaboration between the Fijian Rotaractors and NZ teams have been incredible.
Future offshore RYPEN program
Support from NZ Rotary clubs and offshore Rotary clubs is essential in delivering future RYPEN program.
From the students’ feedback (attached), we can conclude that the principles and core values of the RYPEN program has been truly delivered and meeting the social impact to the community and beyond.
Quotes from students:
“Program has helped inspire me to do more like this or to be part of something like this in the future.”
“TBH, since Fiji is having highest drug issues, especially towards high school students the program is good and should be extended.”
‘Would like to thank the RYPEN Program for the great opportunity. Helps me to be confident and open minded and working together is the only thing that keeps us moving.”
Despite the challenges of trying to get to Namosi, Fiji, myself, due to unforeseen weather that saw Wellington Airport closed and all flights cancelled on Thursday and Friday, I managed to get to Namosi on my third attempt on Saturday 3 May 2025. My personal gratitude and thank you to all those involved with delivering the RYPEN Program for the first time in Fiji. Without your generous contribution, time & money this would not have been possible.
Ainie Kwok
Member of Rotary Club of St Johns
RYPEN & INTERACT Chair, Rotary District 9920
Ainie Kwok
Member of Rotary Club of St Johns
RYPEN & INTERACT Chair, Rotary District 9920