Fiji Church Supports Displaced Families

By Seema Sharma

The Saints Church in Lautoka, Fiji, has left a mark of compassion and humanity on the hearts of more than 300 displaced families living at a local refugee camp. The families fled their southern Fiji homes after a May 19, 2000, civilian coup. They now live in tents and share a common kitchen.

A History of Upheaval

The political climate of the Fiji Islands has been turning sour since Fiji was declared a republic in 1987 after two coups d’état. The 300-island archipelago, of which ninety-seven are inhabited, was a British colony before gaining independence in 1970. The 1970 constitution was replaced in 1990 to address immediate concerns of the indigenous Fijian people. However, there was little, if any, discussion with community leaders, which led to an air of disharmony and mistrust. A Commission of Inquiry was created to make recommendations for drawing up the 1997 constitution, which included an improved Bill of Rights. Since the May 19 coup, that constitution was abolished and a review team has been established to create a new document.

Most of the farmers taking shelter at the refugee camp have been living on freehold or crown land. Others had been living on native land under long-term leases. More than 1,000 farmers have been evicted from their land this year and must reside in refugee camps or with friends and relatives.

How the Church Is Helping

Missionary Jai Ram was among the first visitors at Lautoka’s refugee camp. Besides arranging for food rations and other essentials, Ram chaired the education committee to make sure all students returned to school on time. Seventy-six primary school and fourteen high school students returned to the school system through Ram’s efforts. He made arrangements for admission, books, uniforms, and transportation. After-hours classes were organized to help students catch up with classes they had missed. Ram’s presence at the camp lifted the spirits of parents who had lost hope of sending their children back to school.

Ronald Chand, a refugee on the education committee, said he was “thankful to the church for its support.” As a former school dropout, Chand was glad to see the students get back to their studies. He stated that dropping out of school created a double-disaster for families who were trying to keep their children happy and satisfied despite camp conditions.

Homework is usually done sitting on the floor or at a cramped table at the Girmit Centre, where the camp is located. The Girmit Centre was built in the 1980s by the Indian government in memory of indentured Indian laborers brought to Fiji more than 100 years ago. High school students are preparing for exams and must study in the mornings because afternoons at the camp tend to be noisy. Chand said that many parents are hopeful their children will study hard, find good jobs, and make a way for the family to settle overseas. Parents who have lost everything are now dependent on their children for a better life.

Brother Ram is the first rung of the ladder that children are climbing to reach new and better heights. Although he sometimes runs out of time and resources, his commitment to these unfortunate children keeps him going. Several families at the camp are now attending worship services and Bible studies at the church. Chand said that besides education, Ram and his team bring peace and consolation to the camp. He equates Ram to a religious social worker who brings happiness to people in need.

Camp managers and refugees are very appreciative of the church in Fiji and the World Church. President Grant McMurray, Apostle David Brock, Bishop Malcolm Stephenson and his wife, June; Ralph Aona, administrator of the Pacific Island Mission Centre; and Moana Faana were touched by the plight of the families as they visited the camp in September. RLDS oblation funds have helped support the camp, and Ram has also obtained assistance from Save the Children Fund, Fiji Teachers Union, and individual donors. The Fiji Church will continue with its humanitarian efforts to help the people living at the camp, especially the children.

Author Seema Sharma is a reporter with the daily newspaper Fiji Times and volunteers at the refugee camp.