🌏 Expanding Horizons in Oceania: A Visit to Vuda District School, Fiji 🌺
- November 20, 2024
- By Tobias Woudt
In November 2024, the Tobian Language School had the privilege of visiting Vuda District School in Viseisei Village, Fiji, as part of our ongoing commitment to expanding horizons through education.
This visit is part of a greater initiative focused on supporting indigenous and endangered languages in Oceania, in collaboration with organizations like the Endangered Language Fund. 🤝
Table of Content
Connecting Through Language and Culture
At Vuda District School, we had an incredible time engaging with students through interactive and fun activities.
From singing traditional songs to playing games, exploring geography, and exchanging words in different languages like Fijian, other local dialects, English, and Dutch, the day was filled with moments of joy and connection.
🗺 What We Learned Together:
One powerful takeaway from this visit is that language is a universal bridge—it connects people across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Whether it’s through a shared song, a kind word, or a captivating story, languages allow us to foster understanding and build positive connections with people from different walks of life.
Why Languages Matter to Tobian Language School
Languages are at the heart of everything we do at Tobian Language School. They’re not just tools for communication but carriers of culture, history, and identity.
Supporting indigenous and endangered languages is a key part of our mission because we believe that preserving these languages is essential for preserving the diversity of human heritage.
Our Collaboration with the Endangered Language Fund
In this initiative, we’re proud to work alongside the Endangered Language Fund (ELF) to support efforts to document, preserve, and revitalize languages that are at risk of extinction.
Who are the Endangered Language Fund?
The Endangered Language Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving endangered languages around the world.
Established in 1996, ELF provides funding for projects aimed at documenting languages, creating educational materials, and revitalizing linguistic practices within communities. Their work ensures that the voices, traditions, and cultures tied to these languages are not lost.
Why This Matters:
When a language disappears, so does an entire worldview, along with unique traditions, knowledge, and ways of thinking.
Together with ELF, we’re committed to helping communities safeguard their linguistic heritage while fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of multilingualism in our increasingly interconnected world.
Supporting Indigenous and Endangered Languages in Oceania
Our visit to Vuda District School aligns with these efforts by bringing attention to the importance of indigenous and endangered languages. By collaborating with schools and local sponsors, we aim to:
• Preserve and Celebrate Languages: Create awareness and inspire action to document and maintain linguistic diversity.
• Empower Future Generations: Equip students with the knowledge and tools to carry their languages forward.
• Build Bridges Across Cultures: Foster connections that help individuals appreciate the richness of different languages and cultures.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
🌺 To the students and educators of Vuda District School:
Thank you for welcoming us into your vibrant community and sharing your voices, culture, and stories. Your energy and passion for learning inspire us and reaffirm the power of education.
✨ To our partners, including the Endangered Language Fund:
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to preserving the world’s linguistic heritage. Together, we are making a difference, one language and one community at a time.
At Tobian Language School, moments like these remind us why we exist: to connect people, preserve languages, and empower individuals across the globe. We look forward to continuing our work in Oceania and beyond, fostering a love for learning and a respect for the incredible diversity of human culture.
Vinaka vakalevu, Vuda District School! 🌏🌺
