RYPEN Fiji: Empowering youth through enrichment and connection
PICTURED: The inaugural RYPEN Fiji program delivered Adventure-Based Learning (ABL) activities aimed at fostering teamwork, leadership and communication, all grounded in the core values of RYPEN.
Bringing together Rotary clubs, RYLA alumni and Rotaractors from Fiji and New Zealand, the first-ever RYPEN Fiji program empowered young students through leadership, connection and cultural exchange.
After years of discussions, the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) was finally brought to life in Fiji through the dedication of Rotary District 9920’s Youth Committee, Rotarians in Fiji and a passionate team of RYLA graduates and Rotaractors.
First proposed in 2021, the program was officially added to District 9920’s expanding youth portfolio following the conclusion of RYLA 2024 in New Zealand.
With the success of the program fresh in their minds, the team decided to pilot RYPEN Fiji with a focus on Suva-based schools before rolling it out to other regions such as Nadi and Lautoka. Planning kicked off in September 2024, with Rotarian Erica Lee of the Rotary Club of Suva East, Fiji, taking the lead on logistics. Namosi Eco-Retreat was selected as the venue – a picturesque self-contained property offering accommodation, catering and a host of outdoor activities perfect for an enriching weekend.
The activities fostered teamwork, leadership and communication, all grounded in the core values of the RYPEN program. Rotaractors and RYLA alumni from both countries worked side by side to guide students through the experience, creating a powerful cross-cultural exchange.
The program was delivered in May 2025 by a team of eight past RYLArians from New Zealand, accompanied by Ainie Kwok from the Rotary Club of St Johns, NZ, and chair of RYPEN and Interact for District 9920.
Fundraising for the trip was no small feat. The NZ team rallied through community efforts such as raffle ticket sales, carpark duties at Mt Smart Stadium, and a special cocktail evening hosted by David and Rosie Bradshaw of the Rotary Club of Newmarket. These efforts, along with financial support from Rotary clubs in both New Zealand and Suva – including Suva, Suva East and Suva Peninsula – were critical in making the camp a reality. Generous contributions from individuals and clubs ensured that cost would not be a barrier for the young participants.
Despite a slow start to registrations, enthusiasm surged in the final week before the event. In total, 35 students from five schools – John Wesley College, Yat Sen Secondary School, Marist Brothers School, Ratu Kadavulevu School and Ratu Sukuna Memorial School – attended the weekend-long camp.
Due to the remoteness of the venue and safety concerns on gravel roads at night, two staggered arrivals were organised for Friday 2 May. Students were transported by chartered bus from Suva and welcomed by the NZ and local teams. Given growing concerns around substance abuse among Fijian youth, bag checks were conducted with the support of school principals and local police – ensuring a safe and focused environment.
Throughout the weekend, students engaged in Adventure-Based Learning (ABL) activities developed by a past NZ RYLArian. The activities fostered teamwork, leadership and communication, all grounded in the core values of the RYPEN program. Rotaractors and RYLA alumni from both countries worked side by side to guide students through the experience, creating a powerful cross-cultural exchange.
Feedback from participants confirmed the program’s success and the depth of its impact:
The program has helped inspire me to do more like this or to be part of something like this in the future,” said one participant.
TBH, since Fiji is having high drug issues, especially towards high school students, the program is good and should be extended,” said another.
“It helped me to be confident and open minded; working together is the only thing that keeps us moving.”
Looking ahead, the team envisions further offshore RYPEN programs – but stresses this can only be achieved through the continued partnership of NZ Rotary clubs, offshore Rotary networks, and the shared experience between RYLArians and Rotaractors across borders.
