What is CommuniTeach?
CommuniTeach is a project which aims to help children achieve their goals in a supportive,
well-appointed environment, using strategies that encourage them to become
independent, life-long learners. We also work to forge connections with other members of the wider community in order to establish a network of learning support providers within the families, homes, and local communities of these children.
CommuniTeach is proudly supported by Colors Fiji English School.
How we started
CommuniTeach started in April this year when Fiji went into lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. With public schools closed, students were often left to go over supplementary materials and to complete study assignments by themselves at home. For many parents and caregivers, assisting their children with these studies was extremely difficult.
In response, a group of teachers from Colors Fiji—a language school based in the town of Nadi—stepped in to provide assistance. With the support of Colors Fiji School , who provided the equipment and other resources, as well as their own personal funds, time and expertise, this group of teachers was able to provide free learning support services to local school students via virtual classrooms. They kept the class numbers small—up to only seven or eight students per session—to ensure that the classes were personalized and the students' needs were carefully met. The demand for these online sessions grew rapidly. Parents and students who were able to take advantage of the support classes were very pleased with the initiative, commenting that the kids ‘had fun’ and always ‘look(ed) forward to the next sessions’.
Our project
When the local schools re-opened in June and social distancing measures were relaxed, demand for these supplementary sessions persisted. Both students and caregivers were particularly keen to have face-to-face classes. And once again, Colors Fiji made available its equipment, resources and classrooms so that teachers could conduct such in-person classes.
We created a project where the teachers and students are provided a supportive and well-appointed environment where they can come together for learning support.
However, these teachers, having become aware of the difficulties encountered by parents, caregivers and their children working in isolation during the lockdown period, recognized the need for support from the wider community. Therefore, they developed plans to start conversations, establish networks, and provide resources to help parents and caregivers address their children's learning needs.
Our goal is to equip community members with strategies and resources that would provide social, emotional and intellectual support to help increase their children's chances of success at school.
CommuniTeach also plans to reach out to communities on the outer islands and in the interior parts of Fiji. Schools there are even less-equipped than the ones in major cities and towns. It is the project's goal to provide the same learning support services to the students and community members in those areas.
OUR GIFTS FOR YOU! :) Your generous contributions will also help us support these wonderful Fijian artists, artisans and performers.
- Vinaka Vakalevu! Thank you very much!
- Fiji postcard with heartfelt message from CommuniTeach students
- Original artwork on tapa (barkcloth) - limited and signed by award-winning artist, Josaia Mateiwai
- Clutch with masi design - made of tapa (barkcloth) and woven voivoi (leaves)
A clutch with the traditional masi design, Fiji's own indigenous patterns, made of tapa (traditional barkcloth) and woven voivoi (leaves traditionally used for mats), posted directly to your address. Tapa design may vary.
- Iri (handwoven fan), personalized
- Fiji map - artist's rendition with Fijian motifs - hand-drawn on tapa (barkcloth)
- Cooking demo (live) - kokoda and bani lolo - and shared meal with Fijian teachers via Zoom
- Pacific island dance show (live) and traditional kava ceremony (live) with Mauri Creative Art and Entertainment via Zoom
The fantastic performers of Mauri Creative Art and Entertainment will give a live show of Pacific Island dances, and host a kava ceremony (Fiji's formal ritual to celebrate important events) to welcome and thank all our supporters. There will be portions where you can dance along with the performers, as well as interact with the dancers and hosts!
Who are we?
TESSA EASTGATE
Manager, CommuniTeach; and Head Teacher, Colors Fiji
FINA NAILOLO
Coordinator, CommuniTeach; and Teacher, Colors Fiji
EMBERSON DIVAL
Coordinator; CommuniTeach
YUKI TADA
CEO and Director, Colors Fiji
YUMA NAGASAKI
General Manager, Colors Fiji
KENJIRO TSUTSUMI
Marketing Manager, Colors Fiji
VANDANA ACHARY, KARALAINI TIRISA, ABIGAIL MAKATA,
MALAKAI KOVEKALOU, RUPENI BULAVOU
Teachers, Colors Fiji
Contact us:
https://www.facebook.com/CommuniTeachFiji
Vinaka vakalevu!