Earlier this year Old Boy Lachlan Beil (2015) moved to Fiji to live in Qelekuro (“Geli-kuro”) Village and plans on residing there until February 2024. Whilst there, he is doing volunteer work within the community, primarily assisting with their growing village kindergarten (Qelekuro Kindy), as well as the local primary school (Lawaki District School) of 150 students. With both greatly under-resourced and under-funded, Lachlan sought assistance in acquiring equipment and funding to enrich their learning environments. Please read Lachlan’s reflection of his experience and his expression of gratitude for the role Churchie has played.

Having become best mates with Fijian-cum-Aussie Patrick Osborn in Year 8 at Churchie and briefly visiting this island nation on a family trip, I have remained intrigued by Fiji; from its rich culture, beautiful people and their prowess on the rugby field, to its fertile farming land and wonderous terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. After 2 ½ years working as an Ecologist for environmental consultants Ausecology Pty Ltd, I took a step away from professional and financial pursuits to chase a long-desired dream of living and volunteering in a rural Fijian village. Since initially planning my trip for 2020…*cough cough* finally in May this year I found myself being welcomed into the Naqele family of Qelekuro Village in eastern Viti Levu.

Sadly, this warm vibrant village and nearly all its houses were destroyed during the 2016 horrors of Tropical Cyclone Winston. This same cyclone also took the mother’s life of my adopted village ‘sister’. However, the people of Qelekuro are incredibly resilient and optimistic, and, with their strong Christian faith and values, have slowly but surely gotten back on their feet and rebuilt their community.

With a vision of sustainably rehoming pre-loved items and assisting those in need I decided to start a donation drive in Australia, collecting much needed items for the village, including educational supplies, books, paint, pillows, clothes, shoes and of course RUGBY BOOTS!! Thanks to the wonderful and tireless efforts of family and friends (esp. my mother Meredith) back in Australia alongside invaluable assistance from Churchie, its student leadership and Service team, my beloved Biggs House and the Rugby Support Group, we were able to collect over 150 boxes of very high quality supplies, plus a teacher’s desk, two whiteboards and multiple bookshelves! My brother Nathan (2017 School Vice-Captain) with his extensive furniture delivery expertise acquired at Life Care, led a family team in packing and sending these items in a 20ft shipping container. After much persistence, prayer and patience with the nature of business in Fiji and essential contacts provided by the family of my cousin Joshua Chan (2012 Old Boy), we succeeded in delivering these donations, which were most gratefully received by the Qelekuro Chief, Head Teacher and wider community. After surviving yet another cyclone (TC Mal), we have been working hard to distribute all items in a fair and culturally appropriate manner.

“We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give”

Winston Churchill

Although village life is often wonderous and carefree, our community is facing many challenges, particularly poor knowledge and regard for many issues brought about through western influence, especially diet, wellbeing and waste management. As such I have been working hard to provide advice and assistance on these topics, whilst also tutoring students, volunteering in kindy, acquiring experiences and cultural knowledge, building relationships, and catching the odd fish or two.

Anglican Church Grammar School, with its proud tradition of community service, most undoubtedly played an instrumental role in developing my drive to serve those less fortunate than myself. I will be forever grateful for my parents choosing to send me to such a wonderful school, and for the education and great many opportunities afforded to me as such. Churchie truly is responsible for the Making of Men.

I hope my story helps to share the power and wonder of family, community, generosity, love and striving to make the world a better place for all. If you would like to support the work I am carrying out, please donate to my GoFundMe to help with the remaining fees or click here to reach out to me via email.

Vinaka vakalevu!