Swire Shipping supports creative arts programme in Fijian rehab centre
Swire Shipping supports creative arts programme in Fijian rehab centre
06/06/2022
Swire Shipping has donated about US$6,700 to support a creative arts programme at the Fiji Juvenile Rehabilitation and Development Centre developed by Inspire Pacific, a non government organisation whose vision is to inspire and empower young Pacific islanders to fulfil their fullest potential.
The programme aims to identify the creative interests of programme participants and then develop the latter further through a tailored curriculum covering music lessons, sports, painting, and cooking. Participants will also be able to pick up skills such as listening, critical thinking and creativity. Several times a year, participants will be able to showcase their talents to a selected audience, including their own family members.
“Through the programme, we hope to help these youth discard negative patterns and behaviours, discover their passions and what they are capable of, as well as how they can contribute meaningfully to society with their talent and skills,” said Alex Pattison, country manager, Fiji. “It’s great to know that Inspire Pacific can help to connect these individuals, after they have left the centre, to organisations and opportunities subsequently. We believe a bright future will await each and every one of them. We’d also be monitoring the progress made by participants after they leave the centre to assess the programme’s efficacy. We hope they will return later to share their success stories, their experiences and how the programme has assisted them in re-integrating with society.”
“Together with members of our team, we will be connecting with these youth to share our own life experiences, to learn more about their hopes and dreams, and to find out how we can help them as best as we can,” he added.
The Opening Ceremony of the Interactive, Arts and Leadership Programmes at the Fiji Juvenile Rehabilitation and Development Centre was held on 17 March 2022. Major sponsors of the programmes and the Acting Director for the Social Welfare attended the event. They also shared words of encouragement with participants.
This programme is also supported by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, FIJI.