The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Fiji Team 2 has successfully wrapped up its healthy eating education program at Korotogo Andhra Sangam Primary School in Sigatoka, running from August to December 2025. The program aimed to promote health and sustainable living among students and the local community, addressing critical public health challenges faced by Fijian children and youth.
Ra Hanna, the team leader, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help students adopt healthier habits both at school and at home. Highlighting the rewarding aspects of the initiative, she noted, “The most rewarding moment wasn’t simply completing the sessions but seeing the pure joy and pride on the students’ faces throughout the entire farm-to-table process.” She emphasized the commitment from parents to integrate these health practices within their households.
Hanna stressed her hopes that the initiatives introduced would serve as a lasting influence on the community rather than just a fleeting memory. “I truly believe they have become a precious foundation for a brighter, healthier future for all these students,” she remarked.
To ensure the sustainability of the program, the team created customized lesson plans and guidebooks designed for teachers to facilitate future classes independently. These resources pave the way for long-term benefits, encouraging the school community to actively engage with health and environmental matters.
The program inspired practical actions regarding nutrition and wellness, fostering a culture of healthy living in the Sigatoka area. Activities included a focus on school garden revitalization, with students working alongside local agriculture experts to cultivate and maintain garden areas designated to their respective classes, thereby reinforcing their connection to sustainable practices.
As students relished the healthy salads they prepared from their own homegrown vegetables, the initiative’s impact was clear. The culmination of the sessions saw students celebrating their newfound knowledge and habits, signaling a hopeful optimism for healthier lifestyles within their community moving forward.