Students of Hilton Special School doing a role play at the Launch. with High Prevalence of Violence, Ethnic Discrimination and Tribal Conflict

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1 HUMAN NATURE LIVE & LEARN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION L-R; Chief Guest Mr Thierry Chateau 3rd Secretary Natural Resources and Environment of the European Union Delegation, with Mrs Prabha Nair and Doris Susau at the Launching. Strengthening the Participation of Children in Peace Building in Small Island Nations with High Prevalence of Violence, Ethnic Discrimination and Tribal Conflict The 18th of July, 2011 earmarked an achievement for Live & Learn Environmental Education. Live & Learn launched the 1, Euro European Union funded project Strengthening the Participation of Children in Peace Building in Small Island Nations with High Prevalence of Violence, Ethnic Discrimination and Tribal Conflict. Mr. Thierry Chateau, the 3rd Secretary Natural Resources and Environment of the European Union Delegation, was chief guest to the occasion. Mr Chateau, in his address to guests highlighted the need to engage children as active citizens and participants in matters that affect them. This he said ensures that children s voices are heard and Inside this issue Children in Development (Launch & Inception Workshop) REDD + (Project updates & Visit to Brussels) - Inauguration of Live & Learn s Local Advisory Board. Grassroots Democracy (Youth Forum & Highlights from the National Youth Day Celebrations) AusAID WASH Community Updates EU Women s Community Follow up & WWF Climate Change Workshop & Meetings Samoa Rio + and Social Events (Imthurn Move & Karen Visit) Pictures from the Field Students of Hilton Special School doing a role play at the Launch. represented. This project will run for three (3) years. The project will engage children in activities that will build their capacity to advocate for peaceful means to conflict resolution, peer mentoring on children s rights and the responsibilities that come with it and encourage children to engage in public debates on issues that affect them. Guests who attended the launch included representatives from the Ministry of Education Curriculum Development Unit, Students from Marist Brothers Primary School, Bishop Kempthorne Primary School and Samabula Primary School, UNICEF, IUCN, Solomon Islands High Commission and Ministry of Provincial Development. Students from Hilton Special School presented role plays depicting the realities of children with disabilities. The role plays showed that there is much work to be done in meaningfully engaging children to better their situations. The project is currently implemented in four countries namely Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji. A key result of the action is the organization and mobilization of 250,000 children through national and regional networks with 1800 teachers provided with training and professional development in rights-based education approaches. By involving teachers and educators, the learning environment of children can be greatly improved and lead to empowerment and participation. Strengthening the Participation of Children A one week inception workshop held at the FASANOC Olympic House Conference Room from the 18th 22nd July, Following the launch of the European Union funded project - Strengthening Participation of Children L-R ; Jill, Gina,Siwa and Dora Regional project staff from Vanuatu, Solomon and PNG Offices. in Peace Building in Small Island Nations with High Prevalence of Violence, Ethnic Discrimination and Tribal Conflict. A total of thirteen Live & Learn staff from the Live & Learn Pacific country offices and Live & Learn Melbourne attended the workshop. The aim of the inception workshop was to bring together staff from the region directly engaged in the project to discuss existing structures and frameworks to ensure the successful coordination of the project. The workshop had intensive sessions that required sensitivity and an in depth understanding of cultural, traditional and societal norms in each respective country. Guest Speaker at this workshop included Mereia Carling, a Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF Pacific who presented on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). A presentation was made on the four principles of the UNCRC, why children s rights should be used and who should use children s rights. She also presented on participation and the ladder of participation, discussing the various levels of adult engagement in children s participation and the reasons for children being engaged in activities, particularly in the arena of development. Group shot of Regional and National project staff at the inception workshop

2 A Live & Learn Environmental Education Publication Pilot effective models for governance & implementation of REDD in Small Islands Developing States to provide equitable benefits for forest dependent local & indigenous people Simione Koto of Live & Learn and support staff from Secretariat of the Pacific Community Jalesi Mateboto overlooking the area of Drawa. REDD+ Initial Site Visit in Drawa, Vanua Levu. The Live & Learn REDD+ team travelled to Vanua Levu and made an initial site visit to the Drawa site from the 17th to the 19th of August, The Drawa site consists of six (6) villages namely Drawa, Lutukina, Keka, Vatuvonu, Nayarailagi and Batiri. These villages fall between the provincial boundaries of Cakaudrove and Macuata. The initial site visit to Drawa was intended to facilitate a preliminary feasibility study. Key partners in facilitating discussion around REDD+ and the Drawa initial site visit include the Department of Forestry, GIZ, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). The team comprised of Simione Koto and Josefa Lalabalavu from Live & Learn along with support staff from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Mr. Jalesi Mateboto, Mr. Eliki Senivasa the Divisional Forestry Officer Northern, and two of the Drawa community representatives Malakai Vonakula, the representative of the Drawa Forestry Cooperative (DRAFCO) and Gaberieli Soqe, the Chairman of the Drawa landowners association. Josefa Lalabalavu of Live & Learn interviewing the Turaga ni Koro of Vatuvonu village during the initial site visit. 2 Vantage point overlooking the Drawa area and the Lutukina District School located at the foot of the hills Live & Learn participates in first European Union REDD+ Projects Coordination Meeting. On the 5th and 6th of July 2011, the first REDD+ projects coordination meeting organized by the European Union was held in Brussels. Live & Learn s Regional Climate Change Mitigation Program Manager, Robbie Henderson and Josefa Lalabalavu a field trainer of the Fiji office were given the opportunity to be part of this event. Sixty (60) participants from around 22 countries in Asia, Pacific, Africa and Latin America were also present at this meeting. Participants included the European Union Delegation in Brussels, International organizations, Think Tank and other non-government organizations. The main objective of the meeting was to share the experiences achieved so far in each of the REDD+ projects. Common issues presented were on land tenure, governance structure, legal and technical aspect, and access to resources. The sharing of experiences enabled participants to rely more on strengthening strategies and coordination of REDD+ actions in-country, between partners and to contribute to future policy developments. Josefa Lalabalavu and Robbie Henderson of Live & Learn infront of the European Commision in Brussels Inaugural Local Advisory Board Meeting. July 14th is an important date to Live & Learn Fiji. It is on this day, that Live & Learn hosted the inaugural Advisory Board meeting. This move supports Live & Learn s goal to strengthen the organizational capacity and governance. The meeting was held at the Tanoa Plaza Conference Room, Suva. The board is chaired by Mrs Viniana Kunabuli. Mrs Kunabuli, a teacher by profession, held the portfolio of Director of the Curriculum Development Unit Ministry of Education. Members of the Advisory Board include Mr Epeli Nasome, Mr Ravendra Archary and Dr. Milika Sobey. The Live & Learn country manager is the secretariat to this board. The Advisory Board meet bi-annually.

3 A Live & Learn Environmental Education Publication District forums setting the platform for young people in Grassroots Communities Participants at the Vanua Levu Youth Forum Women learning to weave Kuta in Votua village - Vanua Levu Youth Forums organised within districts provide a starting point for young people in building their confidence to participate in organised National Youth Summits. Young Peoples Forums conducted in Naitasiri, Tailevu, Lomaiviti, Bua and Ba were an outcome of the European Union funded project Building Grassroots Democracy in Fiji. Forums of such nature provide support for young people living in grassroots communities to expand their understanding of democracy, acknowledging the many links it has with human rights and sustainable development. Young people gathered at their districts to share their experiences, and learn from one another. Young people shared how they could work together in addressing the challenges that they face in effecting democratic principles at grassroots level. The two day forums also provided that learning platform for young people to work closely with elders in the community in understanding their traditional structures. The youth forum held in Sabeto was attended by provincial offices, Cooperate bodies, Civil Societies, Non Governmental Organisations and neighbouring villages within the district. The forum in Sabeto was organised by young people. Initiatives as such, allow young people the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to organize and mobilize community development initiatives. Our aim in the village is to utilize the available resources in our community, build the skills of these young people and mobilize them to be activated in any village activities. I deeply believe that as we engage in these activities, we will be recognized and considered at grassroots level. We are empowered through our actions. youth leader Nakalawaca Village. Financial Training from Fiji Co operatives and Rural Banking was also part of the forum held in Sabeto. Indo Fijian participants at training in Votua village National Youth Day Celebrations Empowering Youth to Explore Untapped Potential The National Youth Day celebrations ran in parallel with the National Youth Summit. The 3 day summit provided a platform for youth from different ethnic backgrounds to advocate and bring to light some of the challenges that were faced in their provinces. An outcome of the summit was a proposed constitution for the National Youth Council. This, in turn would be taken back to the various provinces for review and presented in the next Youth Summit, to be held in the Western Division. Youth Day Celebration march in Nausori. Youth present at the Youth Forum in Sabeto. 3 The launch of this year s national Youth Day celebrations was held at Syria Park, Nausori. This year s theme was Empowering Youth to Explore Untapped Potential. This occasion was attended by various government departments, Non Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University, primary and secondary schools and more than 150 youth representatives from all provinces. Live & Learn facilitated participatory activities on the day that emphasised the importance of governance, peace and promoting democracy. These learning stations gave the opportunity for youth participants to explore and strengthen their understanding of peace, good governance and share with others some of the challenges they faced in their communities. Young people from communities in Tailevu and Naitasiri, and part of the Building Grassroots Democracy in Fiji project, coordinated activities showcasing their key role within their community

4 A Live & Learn Environmental Education Publication Registered Sanitation Marketing Enterprises making positive changes. Women of Malake undertaking sanitation survey in their community Sanitation Committee on Malake during village follow up Opening prayer for Village meeting on Malake Island before Sanitation Enterprise Committee presentation Through the AusAID funded project titled, Modelling & Testing Sanitation Marketing and Hygiene Behavioural Change in Rural Communities in the Western Pacific, women from two communities can proudly say they are Sanitation Entrepreneurs. The project which is also undertaken in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea focuses on mobilizing women in communities to be agents of change and also help strengthen and upscale regional schools sanitation and hygiene programs. Basic business trainings undertaken by the women from these communities have given added confidence in running the enterprises. Women through this project are now actively involved in promoting and constructing compost toilets as a safe alternative for sanitation services in rural and remote communities in Fiji. Naganivatu s Matanisiga Vou kei Nabaulevu Enterprise and Nakalawaca s Nakorolelele kei Nasau Enterprise aims to generate sanitation and hygiene demand at the community level by engaging rural communities to 4 this safe affordable and alternative sanitation system. According to Fiji Co-Operatives Officer Enere Vuibureta, sanitation marketing would be a first of its kind in Fiji. Additionally, these Sanitation Marketing Enterprises established in target communities has provided women an opportunity to voice their opinions about sanitation and hygiene development in their communities. Ms Vani Marama, the Chairperson of Nakalawaca village Sanitation enterprise stated that women have been given the opportunity to play an active role in the development of their community and this was something that was an outcome of their village council meeting. Through the registration of the Sanitation Enterprises with local authorities it has indicated a step towards substantiating the objectives of the programme. The Business Registration Certificates given to these target communities permit the Sanitation enterprises to implement their business in Fiji. Already there have been interested parties from nearby and outer island communities contacting these communities who are interested in these affordable sanitation systems. L-R: JICA volunteer, Karen Young and Marica the first Compost Toilet owner on the Malake island

5 A Live & Learn Environmental Education Publication Model Communities roll out as examples to all villages. Identifying ways of mobilizing women in communities through addressing Human Rights and Democracy issues can be brought about through increased access to information. Through the European Union funded project Supporting Human Rights and Social participation for women in remote areas in Fiji four communities stand as models to other communities in remote areas in Fiji. The established models within these target communities of Malake, Naganivatu, Nakalawaca and Veinuqa In the past there were two main issues, women from these communities feared their own security and not being able to participate in a meaningful way towards community development. Changing the mind sets of individuals comes with great sacrifice but with conviction commitment from Live & Learn, its partners and the community, this is possible. For the women in these communities they have identified possible ways into partnering with Community Policing into becoming peer educators to raise awareness on human rights and strengthening community security. Women in these communities have now become actively involved in community development in terms of coordination of better access to water, sanitation services and looking into channelling their skills into income generating initiatives. The project serves as a basis for women in remote areas of Fiji to participate in the critical decision making and actions of development in their families, community and province. In addition the project seeks to equip women with the knowledge and capacity to advocate and educate for human rights and democracy to bring about desired changes. Through education and awareness tools, communities and leaders would realize and understand that human rights and democracy enhances protection and development in their social, physical, economical and technological spheres of life. Women in Naria settlement participating in an activity facilitated by Live & Learn Staff Women in Veinuqa Village are explaining their group findings to the rest of participants Youth of Veinuqa participating in RAP training Live & Learn builds partnership with WWF in supporting adaption to Climate Change in Fiji. Pariticipants at Vanua Levu during a participatory. Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries are at the forefront of the effects of Climate Change and they do not have the resources to address this Global issue This was a statement issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate. In 2008 a Fiji s National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) and found that Fiji s existing national strategies to adapt to Climate Change were weak and needed strengthening. In addition, there was a need for an integration of trailed, community based climate adaptation and sustainable resource management approaches to ensure that these national strategies were achievable and cost-effective. Live & Learn Environmental Education was contracted to be part of the, WWF led project, because of its strong water resource program in communities and schools. As part of the river care 5 Monifa of WWF with participants at the Vanua Levu Workshop component, Live & Learn would look at safeguarding water resources. Actions for this initiative would be centred on River care and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) to mitigate flooding and increase water security. These activities would help in increasing communities capacity, quality and access to water. This two year project aims to establish a strengthened, effective and coordinated approach to combat the vulnerability of Fiji to Climate Change. A two day Target Setting workshop was held in Ba and Macuata. These two provinces were selected because of their large catchment areas and secondly because of their large intact mangrove areas. Ba has the largest number of mangrove in Fiji followed by Labasa. Participants who attended the two day participants engaged in group discussion during the Vanua Levu workshop. provincial workshops consisted of district representatives from youth and womens groups. Vasiti of Live & Learn facilitating an activity with the participants at Vanua Levu

6 LIVE& LEARN Environmental Education Live & Learn Environmental Education is a non-profit, non-government organisation that aims to promote greater understanding of environmental and human sustainability through education and communication. Rio+20 Pacific Preparatory Meeting held in Apia, Samoa July 2011 Live & Learn was part of a core civil society organization/ non-government organization group that was funded by the United Nations Environment Program to attend the meeting in Samoa. The Pacific Preparatory Meeting for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD/Rio+20) was held in Apia, Samoa on July The Meeting was a joint meeting between regional Ministers of Environment and Finance. The meeting Live & Learn Offices Fiji 52 Imthurn Road, Domain. Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji. Phone: Fax: fiji@livelearn.org focused on getting Pacific Islands putting forth the Pacific s agenda at the Rio+20 to be held in The meeting addressed the objective of Rio+20, stated in General Assembly resolution 64/236 to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assessing the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and addressing new and emerging challenges. The two designated themes of Rio+20 are: a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and the institutional framework for sustainable development. The Pacific Preparatory Meeting in Apia revolved around these two key themes. Present at the Meeting were the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Ministers of Environment, Finance and Fisheries from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu. There were representatives of Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Australia, France, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Tokelau attended as Observers. Pictures from the field Move to 52 Imthurn and Karen s Farewell. Live & Learn staff, family members and friends helped move furniture and resources from the former office at 87 Gordon St to the new office premises situated at 52 Imthurn Road, Nasese. The move to the new office premises took over a week, culminating to a clean-up and a Barbeque organised by the Social Club. The Program Director Pacific and Country Manager who were both present at this event thanked the staff members for the effort put in making this move a success. Staff farewelled Karen Young, a week later. Karen, a member of the Live & Learn Melbourne office played an instrumental role during the Inception Workshop for the newly launched European Union project Strengthening the Participation of Children in Peace Building in Small Island Nations with High Prevalence of Violence, Ethnic Discrimination and Tribal Conflict Ms Young, who is a graphic designer by profession, spent a few days in the Live & Learn Fiji office to help in matters regarding Resource Development and Communications. The social club organized a farewell Barbecue for Ms Young on Thursday, 28th of July as a token of appreciation of her help and contribution during her short stay. Vanuatu P.O. Box 1629, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Phone: Fax: Solomon Islands P.O. Box 1454, Honiara, Solomon Islands. Phone: / Fax: Papua New Guinea P.O. Box 844,Kimbe WNBP, Papua New Guinea. Phone: Maldives P.O. Box 3007, Male, Maldives. Phone: / Fax: Cambodia G.P.O. Box 91, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Phone: Vietnam No 30, Lane 32/26, To Ngoc Van Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Phone: Fax: Indonesia Jalan Banteng No.9, Mataram 83121, Lombok, Indonesia T: Australia Ross House, 4th floor, Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000, Australia. Phone: Fax: