Unipulse Issue 5 June 2018 Unifiji Hosts Nipah Virus Aware- INSIDE THIS EDITION • Gurukul Primary School Centennial Cel- Ness Seminar Ebration

The University of Fiji Fully-Registered University UniPulse Issue 5 June 2018 UniFiji Hosts Nipah Virus Aware- INSIDE THIS EDITION • Gurukul Primary School Centennial Cel- ness Seminar ebration

• Consumer Rights Workshop

• Fiji’s Only Masters Level Programme in Renewable Energy Makes Steady Progress

• UniFiji Holds Blood Drive

• Hawking Lifetime Achievement Lecture

• UniFiji Bridging Nursing Programme Extends to the South Pacific

• International and Regional Relations Programme

Dean of UPSM & HS, Dr. Elick Narayan with Dr. Abhijit Gogoi, Dr. Ricardo Corpuz and Dr. B.P. Ram and students at • UniFiji Offers Comprehensive MBA Pro- the Nipah Virus Awareness Programme. gramme On May 31, 2018, The University of Fiji that the first identified outbreak of the dis- organized an awareness programme on ease took place in Kampung (a small vil- • National Stakeholder Workshop on the Nipah Virus (NiV), an emerging threat lage in Malaysia) in 1998 where the pigs Fiji Low Emission Development Strategy that has caused a recent outbreak in Kere- were the intermediate hosts. In Bangla- (LEDS) la, India. Health experts from Umanand desh humans became infected with NiV Prasad School of Medicine and Health as a result of consuming date palm sap • Early Career Academic Scoops Award for Sciences (UPSM & HS) came together that carried the virus in 2004. Excellency in Research and Publications to create awareness about the multiple issues that surrounded the Nipah Virus This was transmitted by infected fruit • Pro-Chancellor Addresses Staff outbreak. bats. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented, including in a hos- • Talking Renewables – a New Book on Re- The team ran a campaign by bringing in pital setting in India. As of May 31, 2018. newable Energy by Local Author health experts for a better insight on the The World Health Organisation (WHO) outbreak in hopes of building aware- reported, death of 13 people and 2 being- • Subramani Publishes New Book ness on health care practices, signs and hospitalised due to the growing outbreak symptoms and understanding the mode of of NiV in India. • Vetting of Year 9 English Syllabus and transmission of Nipah Virus. Text Book Symptoms from infection vary from none The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor to fever, cough, headache, shortness of • UniFiji Offers New Course Narendra Reddy, Dean of UPSM & HS, breath, and confusion. This may worsen Dr. Elick Narayan with his team, Dr. Ab- into a coma over a day or two. Compli- • UniFiji Sponsored Sunny West Bowling hijit Gogoi, Dr. Ricardo Corpuz and Dr. cations can include inflammation of the Diva Singh, and medical students took brain and seizures following recovery. Carnival part in the panel discussion on building awareness and understanding of the Ni- • Practical Lessons Paramount in CIS pah Virus. • The University of Fiji’s JDP School of Nipah Virus (NiV) infection is a newly Law’s Jiten Singh Appointed Judge Advo- emerging zoonosis that causes severe cate for Court Martials disease in both animals and humans. The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of • Maggot Workshop the Pteropodidae Family, ‘Pteropus ge- nus’.

A brief background of the NiV reveals Dr. Abhijit Gogoi presenting to the students.

1. Issue 5 June 2018 Gurukul Primary School Centennial Celebration

Ambassador, Mr. Kamlesh Arya and his wife, Mrs. Urmila Arya with staff and students of Gurukul Primary School.

Gurukul Primary School, the first formal school for Fijians of dian Work in Fiji, written by Methodist Missionary Reverend J. Indian Descent in Fiji, celebrated 100 years of existence on May W. Burton, the colonial administration is quoted to have advised 24, 2018. that “It would be better use of time to instruct the field mules. The “coolies” might be spoilt for labour, if they were taught by The keynote speaker at the celebrations, the Registrar of The missionaries.” Ambassador Arya quoted. University of Fiji Ambassador Kamlesh Arya, expressed his emotions for the 60,553 Girmitiyas who toiled the Fijian soil and “We are independent of servitude and enjoy a dignified and re- were able to conceive the idea that the future lay in education. spectful status in today’s Fiji, thanks to the founding fathers of Gurukul Primary School and hundreds of other schools around “We appreciate the hands that put the blocks together, carting Fiji. Today, as we stand to celebrate the Centennial of Gurukul the building materials on wooden sledges from the supply deport Primary School, and partake in the electrifying gaiety of this to the building site. Their determination is overwhelming. The momentous milestone, we all need to be resolute in our drive to seed they sow in the form of the Gurukul saw mushrooming of improve ourselves and those who are integral part of our diverse schools throughout the Colony over the last 100 years by various society,” he concluded. faith based organisations. The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji is part of that community of educators,” he emphasised. The University of Fiji is grateful to be associated with the Gu- rukul Primary School and owes it origin to the Arya Pratinidhi Mr. Arya noted that when the idea for establishing the Gurukul Sabha of Fiji who began its fight to promote education over 100 was mooted, the backdrop in the feelings of ecstasy would be the years ago. words from attributed to the then authorities, in the book Our In- Consumer Rights Workshop The University of Fiji in collabora- reach a median point of understanding. tion with the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCOF), hosted a “Consumer Rights and During the interactive session, Ms. Devi Issues” workshop on April 20, 2018. also explained the roles of a consumer and rights of a consumer if they were dis- The workshop afforded the University satisfied with the service or product. She staff to discuss their concerns as consum- also discussed the importance of price ers directly to the body looking after con- control and listed some of the items that sumer rights in Fiji. were under price control in Fiji.

Ms. Bindula Devi, Senior Manager Cor- Staff and students were able to voice out porate, Consumer Council of Fiji ex- their various concerns in regards to some plained the CCOF’s role in Fiji and dis- products and services as well as offer sug- cussed some cases of consumers and how gestions and recommendations for im- Ms. Bindula Devi during her presentation. the CCOF helped them in mediating with proved consumer satisfaction. the businesses and how they were able to

2. Issue 5 June 2018 Fiji’s Only Masters Level Programme in Renewable Energy Makes Steady Progress “Donating blood will not only help a per- son in need of blood transfusion but it also has various medical benefits for the donor including lowering the chances of cardiovascular disease by 33%, remov- ing excess iron in the blood and lowering the chances of having a heart attack,” he stated.

The Registrar, Ambassador Kamlesh Arya, a regular blood donor, said that he had saved the life of a family member and his health benefitted from donating blood. He urged students as well as other attendees to become regular blood donors.

Nearby communities including Viseisei, Part of the MREM group at Nadarivatu hydro. Lomolomo and Saweni actively took part in the blood drive. UniFiji’s Masters in Renewable Energy management, energy economics and sus- Management (MREM) programme will tainable development to help create holis- Apart from the blood drive people also be producing its first batch of graduates tically developed energy graduates in the benefitted from the free health check up by the end of this year, and there are al- Pacific. including blood sugar test, blood choles- ready signs that demand for these new terol test, blood pressure check-up, BMI( management-level personnel will be high. “Global warming and the consequent cli- height and weight status), cardio check mate change are high on the agenda of up (ECG), eye and ear check-up and CPR The twelve students who started in ear- international organizations as well as the demonstration. ly 2017 in this two-year programme are governments of the Pacific Island Coun- now in the second and final year of their tries including Fiji. Renewable Energy They also enjoyed the activities organ- studies. Interest in this Renewable En- offers one of the two main solutions to ised and conducted by UPSM & HS stu- ergy training programme has been com- mitigate the impacts of climate change. dents and staff. ing from diverse areas of the economy, Most countries are now working on their including teaching, research and indus- Nationally-Determined Contributions The blood drive is hosted twice annually trial sectors. Those registered for the (NDCs) to the Paris agreement for cli- at the University to help save lives and programme include practicing scientists, mate change mitigation and adaptation. also acts as a community engagement engineers and power generation project The market for renewable energy gradu- project under corporate social responsi- managers in addition to teachers and ates in the near future is thus tremendous. bility as enshrined in the Strategic Plan young University staff. However, there are very few institutions 2017-2021. offering renewable energy management The last semester will be dedicated to the programmes. With the MREM pro- research component of the programme, gramme, UniFiji’s intention is to fill the which is offered by coursework and the- void of energy graduates not only in Fiji sis. Eight of these students will be com- but throughout the South Pacific,” Profes- pleting the experimental components of sor Singh stated. the minor thesis by the end of semester 2 this year. Students as well as people in employment having a science background are encour- One of the primary purposes of the pro- aged to register for this programme as it gramme is to up-skill and train middle- allows for flexible study times suitable management level recruits in the area of for both part-time and full-time studies. Renewable Energy Management. Co- An added advantage that this programme ordinator for the programme, Professor offers is the ability to join at any time dur- Anirudh Singh, stated that the MREM ing its first year of studies. programme incorporates multi-discipli- narily aspects of energy including energy

UniFiji Holds Blood Drive Deepika Prakash, Year 1 student of the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences, donating blood The University of Fiji held a blood drive The keynote speaker, Mr. Ashok Muni, during the blood drive. workshop themed “Blood Donation & Director of Smart Lab, Fiji, stated that Donation of Life: Youths Take Action!” there were positive implications of regu- on April 20, 2018. larly donating blood.

3. Issue Issue1 February 5 June 2018 2018 Hawking Lifetime Achievement Lecture UniFiji’s Bridging Nursing Pro- gramme Extends to the South Pacific

The Nursing Department stuff with the UPSM & HS Dean, Dr. Elick Narayan and Nursing Coordinator, Ms. Iloi Rabuka (standing on the top left handside).

The University of Fiji in collabora- tion with the World Health Organiza- tion, Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN) is now offering the Bachelor of Nursing Bridging programme to other Pacific Region.

The full bridging programme is online for

Professor Anirudh Singh presenting the life of Professor Hawking to the attendees. students in the Pacific region. Close to a hundred secondary and terti- space-time singularities and black holes. ary students attended a public lecture on He next introduced Quantum Theory and Speaking about the programme, Nursing the life and work of Stephen Hawking, re- its prediction of the existence of virtual Coordinator, Ms. Iloi Rabuka, stated that nowned British theoretical physicist, cos- particles in the vacuum, and showed how the online programme would allow nurs- mologist and author, at UniFiji’s main the Second Law of Thermodynamics re- es to better skill themselves, and would hall on April 20 this year. vealed that entropy always increased in open opportunities for convenience and the universe. ease of access bringing the courses to the The event, organized by the Science De- students’ door steps. partment at The University of Fiji in col- Professor Singh next presented how laboration with the South Pacific Physics Stephen Hawking brought these major “Upon completion of the programme, the Society (SPPS) to celebrate the life of streams of physics together with the Big nurses will be able to align themselves to Professor Stephen Hawking, who passed Bang Theory of the universe to explain higher standards of nursing practices and away on March 14 this year at his home its existence and behaviour. Through we will have better-trained, competent, in Cambridge, England at the age of 76. such a union, Hawking was able to show and well-qualified nurses in the region,” that the universe did have a beginning as she commented. The lecture was introduced by Ms. a space-time singularity, and that black Dhrishna Charan, spoke about Professor holes could radiate energy in the form of The online programme has many other Hawking’s life and revealed that he had Hawking radiation. Hawking also theo- benefits including being effective in cost been wheel-chair bound from the age of rized that the early universe was made up reduction for students’ obligations and a 21. Despite his extreme physical handicap of mini-black holes that absorbed parti- good community outreach. and predictions by doctors of a short life, cles from the surroundings, which then he continued his quest for new knowledge heated up and eventually exploded. The theoretical components are put on- about the universe throughout the rest of line while clinical component is done his living years. He was described by mil- In addition to his excellence in phys- by selected focal coordinators on site lions as one of Science’s brightest minds ics and cosmology, Hawking was also throughout the selected Pacific countries. and a visionary physicist. a very popular author. The publication of his book, A Brief History of Time, in The programme will commence proper In his presentation, Professor Anirudh 1988 became an instant best-seller, and in Trimester 3 towards the end of August. Singh from the School of Science and remained at the top of the list for several Technology introduced the four main years. fields of gravitation, cosmology, - quan tum theory and thermodynamics of main- The forty-minute lecture received raptru- stream physics that were brought together ous attention from the audience through- by Stephen Hawking in his work. He out its delivery, and was followed by an showed how Einstein’s General Theory open forum for discussions. of Relativity explained the curvature of space and predicted the existence of

4. IssueIssue 5 June1 February 2018 2018 International and Regional Relations Programme FCGP Conference

Dr. Sakiusa Mainawalala, from the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UPSM & HS) did a presentation at the recently held Fiji Col- lege of General Practitioners Conference (FCGP). His presentation topic was com- mon dermatological conditions prevalent in Fiji.

Ms. Darshana Singh, Year 3 UPSM & HS student stated that the conference acted as a barrier breakthrough because it assisted her in gaining expertise knowledge from various personnel in numerous fields that were present at the conference.

There were numerous presenters at the the FCGP Conference including medical personnel from Griffith University, Heart JDP School of Law Dean, Professor Shaista Shameen. International and MIOT Pacific Hospitals The University of Fiji’s Justice Devendra programme enabled him to appreciate the who presented on a wide range of medi- Pathik School of Law (JDP SoL) offers a dynamics of International Relations and cal issues prevalent in the world as well unique International and Regional Rela- Diplomacy both in the context of the Pa- as important medical practices globally. tions (INR) programme. cific and the wider globe. Dr. Shridharan of MIOT Pacific Hos- The programme is unique in that it offers “Other than the rich and relevant theo- pitals, Suva, presented a very striking students, usually in the workforce the op- retical aspects of the programme, the presentation on Percutaneous Coronary portunity to undertake courses of inten- curriculum is crafted more on a practi- Intervention (PCI) and Coronary Artery sive duration to accommodate their work cally-oriented approach made possible Bypass Graft (CABG) surgeries as well and overseas posting commitments. by qualified, experienced and renowned as the total number of individuals who academics both locally and internation- have undergone surgeries from Fiji in Speaking about the programme, the Dean ally through their lecture deliveries. The Chennai, India. A very comprehensive of JDP SoL, Professor Shaista Shameem teaching environment is equally condu- account on filling of the death certificate stated that the courses offered were in cive as it prioritizes the importance of was provided by Ministry of Health per- three categories: security, communica- student participation especially in discus- sonnel. tions/media and politics. sions and debates,” he commented. Dr. Frank Stadler, of the Griffith Uni- “The courses are offered after hours to Classes are delivered on face to face mode versity, spoke about the fiscal ways that cater for working students. We have stu- over a semester or over 4 weeks (depend- he and his team were trying to study the dents attending from various areas including on the requirements). clinical, supply chain management and ing the military, police and senior public Maggot Debridement Therapy considera- service, as well as media,” she mentioned. Two courses are currently running during tion to help in medical treatment by shift- the June-July period while the next one is ing focus from drug derivative methods The programme is offered at Postgraduate in Semester 2, 2018. to something that could be much cheaper, and Masters Levels by Adjunct Profes- accessible, resources that can be man- sors who are experts in the field. Students from security, communications aged which may help decrease chronic and politics background who wish to wound burden. Professor Jose Luis del Prado, a senior study in a flexible and conducive -envi UN staffer working in conflict resolution ronment are encouraged to register in the Dr. Ali Khan, Interventional Cardiologist and setting up the UN systems after the programme. of Heart International, spoke on coronary Rwanda and Bosia massacres, Professor disease and prevention. He showed inter- Malakai Kalomatangi from Massey Uni- esting and technical procures that he and versity, expert on Pacific regional rela- his team did and also gave a little insight tions and Professor Doug Brooks from on the stenting procedures that are per- Washington DC, expert on private mili- formed now locally in their Namaka fa- tary and security companies are some of cility. the Adjunct Professors of the INR programme. Taking part in such conferences boosts students knowledge in the practical areas A recent graduate of Postgraduate Diplo- of medicine and ensures a holistic devel- ma in International Relations, Mr. Nigel Mr. Nigel Spencer Robinson. opment of future doctors of Fiji. Spencer Robinson, stated that the INR

5. Issue 5 June 2018

UniFiji Offers Comprehensive MBA Programme Steering Committee, inclusive of 14 government ministries and agencies which will lead this activity for Fiji, after the presidency in COP 23.

The workshop included various stakeholders from across the nation who came under the same umbrella to understand, tackle and improvise current ways into producing a very aggressive yet practical manner to lowering carbon dioxide emissions in Fiji 2050. This was part of GGGI’s global commitment to align into achieving global warming temperatures to 1.5°C or well below 2.0°C above prein- dustrial levels.

The series of presentations looked into some of the current research, innovation and ways global climate change has im- pacted countries.

Dr. Ranasinghe Amaradasa. It also highlighted the trajectories in terms The University of Fiji’s offers a compre- spective fields. The programme broadens of global temperature changes and the hensive Masters in Business Administra- a students’ knowledge to think globally possibility of reaching an almost impossi- tion programme which has three streams and act locally” he stated. ble target of 100% sustainability, whether of specialization; General Management, there was still a lot of climatic events that Human Resource Management and Tour- Mr. Anil Kumar, Relationship Manager, would be ongoing. ism and Hospitality Management. West, ANZ Business Banking and a recent MBA graduate stated that he was rec- There were also presentations from local MBA programme is one of the most ognized as a good performance employee government ministries to discuss the cur- sought after programmes at The Univer- but felt demotivated when fairly new rent national plans and the outreach activ- sity of Fiji having produced numerous graduates were promoted to higher posi- ities in the community level in combating graduates and diploma holders who are tions within the organization. By upgrad- carbon emissions. now working at top-level jobs in the cor- ing his academic credentials to a Masters porate sector. The MBA programme also level, he was able to achieve a promotion. The stakeholders were divided into has the highest number of graduates so groups (working tables) with different far. MBA programme is offered at both, Sa- thematic areas. Thematic areas included; weni and Suva Campuses. The lecture electricity and other energy, land trans- Talking about the MBA programme, Dean hours are spread out conveniently over port, maritime transport, air transport/ of the School of Business and Economics a period of 12 weeks and are suitable for aviation, agriculture, forestry, waste, wet- and Director of the MBA programme, Dr. part-time as well as full-time students. lands/ mangroves, tourism, commerce/ Ranasinghe Amaradasa said that the MBA industry/manufacturing and waste sector. programme offers a detailed insight into Students can also enroll into the Post- the modern management practices in the graduate Diploma and Postgraduate Cer- Each group was assigned a facilitator who corporate sector and make the students tificate levels. All students with apas- would carry out the next phase in stream- ready to incorporate them at their work- sion for management and relevant work lining the activities in achieving the tar- place with appropriate changes to suit experience together with a Bachelor’s geted plan. The session concluded with their work culture. degree or an appropriate undergraduate each respective group presenting their diploma are urged to apply for the MBA plans to the floor and in debating how “We offer an MBA programme that is re- programme. Trimester 3 commences on measurable this plan was. search-based and is taught by well-quali- August 27, 2018. fied lecturers who are experts in their re- National Stakeholder Workshop on the Fiji Low Emission Develop- ment Strategy (LEDS) The University of Fiji was invited to the facilitated by Climate Change Division at National Stakeholder Workshop on the the Ministry of Economy, Fiji. The Uni- Fiji Low Emission Development Strategy versity was represented by Mr. Kushaal (LEDS) at Holiday Inn, Suva on May 23, Raj from the School of Science and Tech- 2018. nology.

The workshop was organized by the Glo- The Climate Change Division (CCD) in- Presentation by Government Ministries at the Workshop. bal Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and vited membership on the Fiji LEDS

6. Issue 1Issue February 5 June 2018 2018 Early Career Academic Scoops Award for Excellency in Research Talking Renewables – a New and Publications Book on Renewable Energy by Local Author

Professor Anirudh Singh. With global warming becoming a major issue in the world and climate change soaring high, threatening the life of Pacif- ic Island countries as we know it, renewable energy is one of the solutions looked Mr. Ravneel Chand with the Vice-Chancellor of The University of the South Pacific, Professor Rajesh Chandra at the awards ceremony. towards to help prevent catastrophic events in the near future. It was a proud moment for an early career on the importance of Traditional Medici- academic and Assistant Lecturer in Biol- nal Plants in the South Pacific. Prior to Professor Anirudh Singh, Professor in ogy at The University of Fiji, Mr. Ravneel joining UniFiji’s School of Science and Renewable Energy Management at The Rajneel Chand, when he scooped a Re- Technology, he served as a young Re- University of Fiji, has recently published search award at The University of the searcher for the Faculty of Science, Tech- a book on renewable energy titled “Talk- South Pacific for ‘A’ ranked Journal nology and Environment at The Universi- ing Renewable: A Renewable Energy publication during the 6th Research Ex- ty of the South Pacific. Mr. Chand, being Primer for Everyone”. Published by IOP cellence and Innovation Award Evening an early career academic scooping a pres- Publishing under their Concise Physics held at The University of the South Pa- tigious research award is a milestone for programme in conjunction with Morgan cific, Suva. He also has published papers him in academe. & Claypool (UK), this book provides a in other ranked journals with reference to clear and factual picture of the status of Australian Research Council (ARC) in Mr. Chand added that he views this Renewable Energy and its capabilities Toxicological, repellent and antimicrobial achievement as a stepping stone for his today. potential of Traditional Medicinal Plants engagement and commitment in publish- (TMPs). ing scholarly papers in reputable interna- The book is meant for the general public tional journals. He was profoundly hum- who wish to advance their knowledge in Recently, Mr. Chand was additionally bled to be a recipient of such a prestigious the area of Renewable Energy. The book awarded by The University of Fiji for the award, rubbing shoulders with acclaimed covers all areas of renewable energy Fiji Higher Education Commission Re- and established academics. (RE), commencing from biomass energy search Grant, 2018. His research focused and hydropower and proceeding to wind, Pro-Chancellor Addresses Staff solar and geothermal energy before end- ing with an overview of ocean energy. The Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Anil Tikaram would possibly increase student enrol- and the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Profes- ment in the near future. The last two chapters consider how the sor Narendra Reddy, spearheaded a staff technologies are actually being imple- meeting on June 20, 2018 at The Univer- The interactive session concluded with mented today and their roles in climate sity of Fiji Saweni Campus. discussions from staff pertaining to staff change mitigation and poverty allevia- problems as well as new policies for the tion. The book is written in plain Eng- This was the first time that the Pro-Chan- betterment of the University. lish, and is ideally suited to up-skill cli- cellor had addressed all the staff at the mate change workers and NGOs who University. Mr. Tikaram spoke on various lack technical training in the Renewable topics pertaining to the University includ- Energy technologies required for climate ing the recent changes in management of change mitigation. the University as well as a way forward in regards to policies and procedures. More information on the book is available at: http://iopscience.iop.org/book/978-1- The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor 6817-4901-3 ; and http://www.morgan- Narendra Reddy spoke about the student claypoolpublishers.com/catalog_Orig/ enrolment at the University over the past Professor Reddy addressing the staff during the Staff product_info.php?products_id=1223 five years and discussed new ideas that Meeting.

7. Issue 5 June 2018

Professor Subramani Publishes New Book The Department of Language, Litera- ture and Communication (LLC) from the School of Humanities and Arts played a fundamental role in vetting Year 9 Eng- lish Syllabus and Text Books.

Ms. Kamala Naicker, Ms. Manpreet Kaur and Mr. Salesh Kumar were part of the 2 Day workgroup meeting for English fa- cilitators at Natabua High School on May 30-31, 2018.

The Senior Education Officer English at Curriculum Advisory Services, Ministry of Education, Ms. Roshni Devi extended the invite to the trio to be part of the vet- Professor Subramani. ting process. Head of Department (HOD) LLC, Ms. Naicker was elated to signifi- Renowned Fijian writer and Professor and also Fiji Hindi to broaden his inves- cantly contribute to the vetting process. of Literature at The University of Fiji, tigation of life in the country. His large Subramani, has published a new book ti- epic novel written in Fiji Hindi called “The Year 9 English Syllabus and Text tled Wild Flowers. It is a book of fiction Fiji Maa; Mother of a Thousand will be Book are undergoing major reforms and with an Introduction by John O’Carroll , published in October 2018. A book on LLC Department’s input and suggestions an Australian critic, who calls it “ one of Subramani’s writing has been published as key stakeholders and language provid- the most important collection of stories in India entitled Subramani: A Writer at ers are welcoming,” stated Ms. Kaur. to emerge from Fiji.” This is confirmed Work in Fiji. by Dr. Sudesh Mishra’s remark that “it is Mr. Kumar was also part of a similar 2 the most significant work of fiction I have Sia Figiel, a renowned Samoan novelist, Day workgroup meeting in the Central ever read.” has described the stories in Wild Flow- Division. Ms. Naiker and Ms. Kaur sug- ers as stunning: “Wild Flowers remains gested the team to make the curriculum The book Wild Flowers comprises of a powerful and moving testament to user friendly and at the same time im- short stories and a novella and an autobi- Subramani’s enormous talent, and scope pressed upon three key components to ographical account together encompass- as one of the Pacific’s foremost storytell- be included in the vetting of the syllabus ing a range of subjects such as alienation, ers. Written in eloquent language that is awhich were relevance, quality and ap- reality and illusion, Fiji’s pluralistic life, sometimes brutal, sometimes tender, Sub- propriateness of the curriculum. ethnic tension, search for self-definition, ramani deftly weaves the racial and pow- and human emancipation. er struggles of Fijian society and presents This appointment further saw LLC aca- us with a haunting salusalu of melan- demics’ contribution in the writing of the Speaking about the book, Subramani choly, despair, anguish, madness, terror, English curriculum. Ms. Naiker and Ms. stated that Fiji’s varied life and complex- loss interlaced with moments of satire Kaur would also have their creative piec- ity of issues in the country inspired him and humor that encapsulates the history es feature in the Year 9 English Textbook. to keep writing his fiction. He has - con and experiences of men and women and tinued to explore what it means to live children caught up in the violent shadow The Senior Education Officer, English consciously in Fiji. Writers, he said, have of colonialism.” Section, Ms. Roshni Devi approached the the role of carrying on dialogue with their duo to submit their poems and short sto- readers in order to come to terms with The book was launched at The University ries for Year 9 Textbook. The Universi- many social and philosophical issues. He of Fiji, Saweni Campus on June, 30 2018. ty’s engagement as important stakehold- has employed both the English language ers in the national English curriculum for Vetting of Year 9 English Syllabus and Text Book Year 9 is remarkable.

Ms. Kamala Naiker and Ms. Manpreet Kaur of LLC Department with CDU Officials andWestern Language Teachers. LLC Team vetting CDU Year 9 English textbook at Na- tabua High.

8. Issue 1Issue February 5 June 2018 2018

UniFiji Offers New Course The University of Fiji is actively com- mitted in community engagements as enshrined in the 2017-2021 Strategic Plan.

As such, the University sponsored the inaugural international bowling event - Sunny West Bowling Carnival. The sponsorship was for $1000. The sponsorship allowed marketing of the University over the course of the event.

The Centre for iTaukei Studies (CIS) students performed the traditional yagona ceremony and dances during the opening ceremony.

The event enabled them to showcase what they learn as part of their programme. Such events give them exposure and a chance to get recognition. Mr. Anish Maharaj explaining the geographical systems and its applications to everyday living. The CIS students were praised by all The University of Fiji is offering a new other geographic information programs attendees of the function in portraying course in Geographical Information Sys- and services commonly available through such culturally significant acts with grace tems (GIS) called “Introduction to Geo- the internet and cell phones today, create and respect. Participation in community graphical Information Systems” from Se- high-quality maps and associated graph- is part of the marketing plan to create mester 2, 2018. ics and text that clearly communicate awareness of the university and its pro- spatial information and analyses among grammes. The course is part of the Bachelor of En- other skills after successfully completing vironmental Science programme under the course. Students from Umanand Prasad School the School of Science and Technology. It of Medicine and Health Sciences (UPSM is among the major objectives achieved According to Priyatma Singh from the & HS) also set-up a medical camp at the from the recently concluded USAID “School of Science and Technology, GIS carnival. funded Pacific American Climate Fund and its various applications are fast gain- (PACAM) project. ing popularity and carry multiple benefits. Miss. Shirley Prasad, the Marketing and GIS-related career path are lucrative and Public Relations Officer at UniFiji as The purpose of this course is to introduce is one of the most sought after skill in in- well as the Chairperson for the organ- students to GIS, with particular emphasis dustries. This course will expose students izing committee for Sunny West Bowl- on spatial data structures, data entry and to the theory and practices necessary for ing Carnival, stated that the carnival had editing, digital cartography, spatial que- future use of GIS tools. The course in- successfully completed its 11th year and ries, and introductory spatial analysis. cludes a comprehensive set of lab activi- thanked all the participants for making it ties to compliment the lectures.” a grand success. Students will be able to comprehend fundamental concepts of GIS, learn the The course is currently being targeted for She also applauded the Centre for iTaukei fundamentals of how geographic infor- Science students but in the near future, Studies students and said that CIS stu- mation is stored and geo referenced, de- due to the applicability of the course, it dents had received several propositions velop skills in sourcing, manipulating could be used as electives for other pro- from tourism industry for the students’ and interpreting spatial data, use GPS and grammes. engagement as an outcome of this event. UniFiji Sponsored Sunny West Bowling Carnival Participants from Australia also showed interest in doing renewable energy col- laborations with the university.

CIS students performing the traditional kava ceremony at CIS students performing the traditional kava ceremony at the Carnival. the Carnival.

9. Issue 5 June 2018

Practical Lessons Paramount in CIS  by: SALESHNI DEVI (Part 1)

                            Dr. Litiana Kuridrani.  The Centre of iTaukei Studies (CIS) at coming summer school, students from the   The University of Fiji is unique as it ad- courses ITK 300 and ITK 307, will spend  dresses the teaching of language and cul- two weeks in a village where they will do   ture in depth than language and literature. research and learn directly from the elders   It includes expressive and creative arts; of the Village.  traditional and cultural expressions; traditional ecological knowledge; indigenous As a way of giving back to the communi-  health & healing therapies; oral history ty, if students find prospective small busi-  and oral tradition; cultural anthropology; ness strategies, they will write proposals   genealogy and migration history and in- on behalf of the village to the Ministries.  digenous research. By doing so, she added, students will  CIS Director, Dr. Kuridrani stated that learn about traditional mechanisms em- • . the programmes offered under CIS of- ployed by the village and learn directly  • fer a wider and broader knowledge about from the source.  iTaukei culture and traditions and also •••• offers students get hands on experience The four programmes currently of-  from studies. This, she says, can be seen fered by CIS include Bachelor of Arts from the number of community outreach in iTaukei(ITK) and Management, Di-   sessions engrossed into the curriculum. ploma in iTaukei Language and Culture, Diploma in Teaching iTaukei Language,  “At CIS, we ensure that students are get- Literature and Culture (Secondary) and   ting hands on experience during their Bachelor of Arts in iTaukei Language and    studies. This simply means learning by Culture.   doing. The crafts taught in the courses,   the dances, the traditional ceremonies  taught are not only practical but students  actually go out into the communities and   portray these crafts. The students have  been hired many-a-time to perform tra-  ditional Yagona ceremonies and mekes.  We have received positive feedback from these events,” she mentioned.  Ms. Salome Rakuta (First row centre) with CIS students.  She further explained that during the

10. Issue 1Issue February 5 June 2018 2018

Former Judge Jiten Singh Appointed Judge Advocate for Court Na Tatadra nei Reama Halaapi- Martials api Qio Na nona tatadra o Mrs Reama Halaapi- api Qio a mai vakavatukana ena nona mai vakaisalataki ena koroi ni BA ITKLLC & LLC (Vosa VakaVavalagi ) en Univesi- ti ni Viti.E yabaki 40 ko Reama ka veiqaravi voli ga e vale ni oti na nona vakamau ka yacova ni sa 4 na luvedrau kei watina. Ni sa tekivu me vakila o koya na dredre ni qaravi vuvale kei na dredre vakailavo, sa mani nakita me sa vuli tale. A mani ka- lougata ni curu rawa me vuli ena tabana ni iTaukei ena Univesiti ni Viti ka ni ratou vakabibitaka tiko na nodra vueti na dravudravua ena vuli.E kaya o Mrs Qio ni nona curu ena Univesiti ni Viti e vaka me sa kau sara ga mai ena nona matanikatu- ba na vuli ka ni sega ni leqataka okoya na ivodovodo se nona icili. E rawa ni tauba- letaki ga mai nona vale ka rauta ni 15 na miniti na kena yawa.

“Ena gauna qo au sa sarava tale tikoga na kena sa mai vakavatukana na noqu tatadra ena dua na gauna lekaleka sa oti, kau rawa talega ni vakadinadinataka eke ni veika e vakayacora na Univesiti me baleta na nodra bula na dravudravua edua na ka e veivakauqeti ka veilaveti dina vei au. E totoka na vakarautaki ni yaya ni vuli kei na vanua ni vuli, rawarawa ni veivosaki kei na veiwasei kei ira na dau- Mr. Jiten Singh in uniform as a Judge Advocate for Court Martials. niveivakatavulici ka tarai na yaloqu” e kuria o Reama. The University of Fiji’s Justice Devendra itary law into his academic teaching. Pathik School of Law (JDP SoL), Senior E vakamacalataka talega o Mrs Qio, ni Lecturer, Mr. Jiten Singh has been ap- “Law at the end of the day is a practical nona vakatulewataka me sa lai tosoya pointed a Judge Advocate for the three- matter and not theory. There are a lot of nona vuli e sega ni ka rawarawa ka ni Court Martials to be held this year by criminal procedures involved in it and gadrevi na duavata vakavuvale me qaravi The Republic of Fiji Military Forces. the knowledge will come in handy while kina na itavi ni vuvale, mv na gone, na teaching Law at the UniFiji,” he men- cakacaka ni vale ena veisiga kei na oga Speaking about his role as the Judge tioned. ni vulvale. Sa dua dina na ka ni bolebole Advocate, Mr. Singh explained that he levu. Ia na nona vuli e vukea vakalevu would be able to advise the President and Mr. Singh is a former High Court Judge of nona vakatulewataka vakavinaka na gau- other four members of the Court Martial Fiji and has been a Senior Lecturer both na ka digitaka vakavinaka na veika me on matters relating to Law, some of the part-time and full time at JDP School of qaravi ena kena gauna dodonu, ka rawati evidence and also give guidelines for Law. He has been teaching the LLB pro- kina na nona tatadra. Sa mani vakatule- sentencing. However, the President and gramme and Graduate Diploma in Legal wataka me sa tosoya tikoga vakagauna the four members decide whether a per- Practice (GDLP) for seven years. (part time) na nona vuli me rawa ni rawa son is found guilty or not and decide the taucoko na veiqaravi. sentence. JDP SoL Dean, Professor Shaista Shameem, stated that she was very proud E veivakauqeti tiko o Mrs Qio vei ira na “Wherever they will need any assistance that one of her colleagues had attained a itaba gone kei ira era sotava tiko na bula on Law, they will seek my guidance. prestigious appointment as he would be vakataki koya moni gumatua ka sasaga I will be sitting with them through the bringing back a wealth of knowledge to me toso nomuni vuli baleta na Univesiti Court Martial and as a Judge Advocate I JDP SoL. ni Viti sa tu vakarau me sotava na nomuni decide the admissibility of evidence,” he gagadre ka ni nona ibole “Ni oti na vuli stated. “This enhances the reputation of the JDP sekedri, ki UniFIJI ga” . School of Law and shows the caliber of Judge Singh also stated that through his the staff of the School,” she concluded. E tosoya tale tiko ena gauna qo o Mrs Qio appointment, he would bring back the na nona vuli ena tabana ni vuli na EDU knowledge about the Fiji Army, how they ena Univesiti ni Viti ka vakatovotovo tiko operate and their different ranks, and mil- ena Vishnu Deo Memorial School.

11. Issue 5 June 2018 Maggot Workshop This was followed by a highly informa- tive and thought-provoking status report on diabetes in Fiji by Dr. Jone Hawea from Diabetes Fiji.

Dr. Litiana Kuridrani’s presentation on the social and cultural perceptions of diabetes in two Fijian villages was highly relevant as the success of maggot therapy programmes depends to a large part on the acceptance of the therapy by healthcare professionals and patients.

Dr. Hawea and Mr. Stadler also presented on the clinical science and application of maggot debridement therapy, and the supply chain management, for maggot therapy in the Fijian context.

The final session saw a participatory ex- UPSM & HS staff and students at the Workshop. ploration of maggot therapy by all par- Staff and students of the Umanand Prasad workshop was chaired by Dr. B. P. Ram ticipants via a nominal group workshop School of Medicine and Health Sciences who was also instrumental in organizing by Mr. Stadler. (UPSM & HS) attended a Workshop titled the workshop and Griffith University “Provision of Maggot Debridement Ther- engagement with Fijian medical profes- Equipped with an infographic that sum- apy services across Fiji for the treatment sionals at the Fiji Medical Association marized the supply chain consideration of diabetic ulcers and other wounds” on and Fiji College of General Practitioners. for maggot therapy in Fiji participants Friday, May 18, 2018 in Lautoka. Dr. Jone Hawea from Diabetes Fiji also identified what the enablers and barriers chaired part of the workshop. for maggot therapy across Fiji were, and This workshop was hosted by Dr. Susana what research and development was required. Nakalevu and the District Medical Of- The workshop opened with an official fice (DMO) Western with financial sup- welcome by Dr. Nakalevu. Guest pre- port from the Department of International 38 healthcare professionals and research- senter, Mr. Frank Stadler, was formally ers attended the workshop. Business and Asian Studies, Griffith welcomed to Fiji and the DMO with a tra- Business School, Griffith University. The ditional welcoming ceremony. Random Shots

Dean of the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Professor Anirudh Singh (extreme left) with Masters in Re- UPSM & HS students donating blood during the blood Health Sciences, Dr. Elick Narayan addressing students newable Energy Management students at one of the recent drive. during the Nipah Virus Awareness Seminar. expeditions.

Participants at the Fiji College of General Practitioners Ms. Sereana Lalabalavu and Ms. Arishma Dausoko show- Registrar, Ambassador Kamlesh Arya and Mrs. Manisha (FCGP) Conference. casing the procedure involved in correctly taking a pa- Ramrakha with poetry and essay competition winners of tients’s heart beat. the Gurukul Centennial celebrations.