Power of 9 – Community, connection and culture
Our Year 9 Global Challenge students have just returned from an unforgettable expedition to the highland communities of Fiji, as part of their Power of 9 Challenge! From the moment they arrived, they were welcomed with warmth and kindness by the incredible people of Nasivikoso and Draiba villages. Students quickly immersed themselves in village life, playing one-touch rugby, learning the local language, helping in classrooms and forming deep connections with their Fijian hosts. Their days were filled with rich cultural experiences, from traditional welcome ceremonies and church services with beautiful singing, to gathering firewood for bonfires and performing warrior dances by the river. They trekked through the heat to reach breathtaking waterfalls, shared food and laughter, and celebrated with both their own and their host communities. After emotional farewells in the villages with plenty of hugs, high-fives and full hearts, the groups reunited in Nadi before enjoying one last stunning sunset together on South Sea Island.
As spoken by Mrs Caitlyn Tulk, Power of 9 Co-ordinator, “While we know that students have learned and experienced so much on this trip, we also acknowledge how far they have already come this term. The Global Challenge group have truly leant into the idea of community – not only the students, but their families as well.”
This group embraced the true spirit of community, supported by dedicated teachers, generous families, and our wider Hutchins network. As the African proverb goes, “It takes a village…” – and what a village it has been!