Fiji Power 2017 Day 1 : 01-10-2017

What an early start- a 4:45 am wake up to head through customs to our our plane at Sydney Airport…unfortunately our flight was canceled! It was delayed until tomorrow morning. However, we didn’t let that diminish our happy spirits as we spent the rest of the day in our hotel developing the backbone of our presentation which we would deliver to the Fijian students. We had a delicious dinner, and then another ‘meeting’ to talk about the Fijian culture, life in Fiji, the blog post and to sing some songs we would be using in Fiji. We then had an early night to prepare ourselves for another early morning. We have a great little group traveling to Fiji. Here is what our team has to say about ourselves: next page...

Bula, my name is Alex, I am 14 years old and attend St. Clare’s College in Canberra. I entered this competition after my wonderful teacher Mrs Taylor approached myself and Tia about the project. I started researching the assignment, renewable energy sources and the medical and energy issues in Fiji, and found myself becoming more passionate about the issue. I was delighted to find out that our entry on tidal energy and bioenergy was selected as one of the finalists and that we were given the opportunity to travel to Fiji. I would like to thank Bookend Trust for their commitment, dedication and support on this topic. I am a year 9 student, an avid reader, a dancer (in which I hope my skills will help me in Fiji), and I love to travel. I hope this opportunity will not only provides information for myself on this prominent issue, but also place Fijians on the path to renewable energy.

Hi, I’m Gabby Burke from Taroona High School, in Tasmania. I play the flute and like to spend time outdoors. Ella and I entered this competition with a video presentation about solar and wind power and their suitability for rural Fijian medical centers. I’m so excited to be here on my way to Fiji. It’s going to be amazing fun and a real chance to make a difference.

I’m Ella, from Tasmania. I like STEM and climbing, and I don’t like canceled flights. I am really happy to be on this trip because we get to make a difference by educating people about renewable energy and how to maintain those systems, which is an absolutely amazing opportunity.

Hi, I am Tia. I am 15 years old and attend St Clare’s College in Canberra. I am a sport, science and reading enthusiast. I still can not believe that we are able to go on this trip and this all still feels so surreal. I am excited to see what this opportunity has to behold. I am looking forward to making a difference in these Fijian villages and hopefully help teach many students about electricity and renewable energy whilst being immersed in an amazing and unique culture on this one in a life time opportunity.

Hi, I’m Georgia. I’m a 19 year old filmmaker from Hobart, Tasmania. I currently study Cert IV in screen and media at Rosny College as a year 13. I am filming a documentary abut the Fiji Power 2017 story.

Bula! Na yacaqu ko Lizzy. I am a Science Teacher at St Clare’s College, Canberra, and am feeling very lucky to have the privilege of accompanying this year’s Fiji Power trip. While I would usually seek out cooler climate zones, as an avid skier, I am looking forward to sharing scientific learning within a new context that Fiji provides.