Here's a story about 12 boxes of books, a sewing machine, and the amazing things that happen when we work together.
This newsletter is going to look a little different!
What you’re about to read is an example of how a small action here can have a big reaction there.
The story might seem simple at first - get some books to Fiji. How hard could it be? Collect them, pack them up, send them off… right?
What’s so great about this story however, is that it shows each of us playing a part. None of us is able to do Christ’s mission on Earth ourselves. We need each other to strengthen and sustain each other. To encourage each other. To lift each other up.
That’s what we’re about at Anglican Missions. We’re here to lift others up. And we hope you’re there to lift us up too.
And while our normal course of business isn't collecting supplies and getting them delivered, this story shows how an idea, combined with the right knowledge and connections in the sector can open doors - not just into new opportunities, but life changing outcomes for people in our global neighbourhood.
Anyway! That’s enough preamble… how about we let Archdeacon Julie set the scene?
Kris Singh
Marketing and Communications Manager
What do you do with an empty library?
Archdeacon Julie Rokotakala
Kāpiti Anglicans
As a passionate reader from a very young age, I couldn't imagine being without the imaginative and factual realms opened up through books. We already knew that children’s books were hard to find in Fiji, having spent many hours on trips scouring shops for Fijian children’s books for our own children.
So when my husband Kiro got a call from a friend travelling with Archbishop Sione saying “... we're at St Mary’s School in Labasa and we're standing in the school's newly blessed library... but it's empty!", I knew what we needed to do.
What do you do with an empty library? You fill it with books!
At Archbishop Sione's urging for the Diocese of Wellington to partner in this initiative, an idea sparked and a plan evolved.
Firstly, I thought locals schools might catch a vision to collect books for an empty library. We approached Hadlow School in Masterton, and Rev Mannie Marara responded with an incredible 9 boxes full of books.
Secondly, I told my Kāpiti church of the need, and they caught the vision too! Another 3 boxes jam packed full of books were donated (and a industrial sewing machine for a local micro enterprise for good measure!)
Now, 12 boxes full of books and a big sewing machine are heavy. How on Earth were we going to get them to Fiji? I was heading across on sabbatical, but I only had room for 20 books not 12 boxes of books!
Regular postage was prohibitively expensive. I tried commercial airlines to see if they could do us a deal on freight - no joy.
I then thought I would ring Rev Michael Hartfield at Anglican Missions, to see if he had any contacts for shipping things for charitable purposes to Fiji, through Anglican Missions. What joy - he did! But he can explain it better than I can - take it away Michael!
A little bit of insider knowledge.
Michael Hartfield
Anglican Missions
Thanks Julie! When Julie called us with this great initiative, our first idea was to draw on the NZ Defence Force. When they have space, they permit the shipping of goods under their charitable goods programme; some of you may remember that three years ago, the NZDF generously transported two dozen wheelchairs to Fiji on behalf of Anglican Missions.
Most unfortunately, the flight we had hoped would take the books was out of action and couldn't take the cargo!
However, we're a resourceful bunch here at Anglican Missions! Reaching deeper into our network of contacts, and using our leverage as an aid and development NGO, we were able to get the books (and sewing machine!) onto a commercial flight for a reduced rate.
People may not realise the amount of paperwork and administration that it takes to ship items like this internationally. It's quite an ordeal, as anyone who has exported items will know! We were also able to get this paperwork done for free, which can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars.
Karen Chute, our Pacific Projects Manager, received the books, and through the Diocese of Polynesia and their understanding of the local needs, were able to be properly distributed. Karen's got that part covered though - all yours Karen!
A commitment to localisation.
Karen Chute
Anglican Missions
Thank you Michael! We're grateful for the people that continue to think of us here in Fiji. My work managing Anglican Missions projects here, alongside the support and knowledge of Archbishop Sione Uluilakepa and the Diocese of Polynesia helps me to understand the needs of local people, including the empty library at St Mary's!
The Diocesan Education Officer, Mr. Sanju Reddy and myself delivered the books on the 20th of August 2024. St. Mary's Anglican Primary School has 770 primary students and 101 kindergarten students. It is one of the biggest primary schools in Vanualevu.
St Mary's head teacher Mr. Sunil Dutt will ensure that the books are well kept and managed by the teachers of each class. Each of the students have a file in the library where teachers are able to monitor the student's ability to read and gauge student's comprehension level by way of writing summarised notes on their chosen book for the week.
Because there were so many high quality books, we were also able to donate some to the St Paul's Anglican Primary School, which is the only school in the small village of Naviavia.
From Early Childhood Education to year 8, there are 96 children at St. Paul’s Anglican Primary School. It's governed by 4 teachers, including the Head Teacher, who are all assigned to more than one class a day. ECE only has one dedicated teacher. All 96 students have access to the school library.
The teachers acknowledged the need to look after the books and have some systems in place for proper management and care. The Education Officer will be monitoring these issues closely so that children will be able to fully utilise the books. The school has lots of needs, but as you'll see in the photographs, the student’s faces lit up with excitement when they saw the new addition of books for their library!
Karen and students of St. Paul's, Naviavia with their new library books.
So many people played a role in this story for which we're incredibly grateful: Archbishop Sione Uluilakepa and the Diocese of Polynesia, Archdeacon Julie Rokotakala, Kāpiti Parish and the Diocese of Wellington, the Raumati Beach School librarian, the Hadlow School community and their chaplain Mannie.
We've got heaps more photos, which you can check out by hitting the button below. Thank you to everyone who continues to partner with us here at Anglican Missions. This is definitely a story with a happy ending!
