For 22-year-old Mere Vakacoa, a second chance has opened doors leading from the cane fields of Ba to the innovative zero waste towns of Japan. The final-year student at the University of the South Pacific (USP), originally from Sorokoba, Ba, with maternal ties to Nayavu, Tailevu, recently participated in an enriching eight-day cultural and educational exchange through the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) program.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on Land Management, along with Population Studies and Demography, Ms. Vakacoa’s journey to Japan serves as an inspiring testament to resilience. After facing disappointment with an unsuccessful application in 2023, she remained undeterred. “I am someone who applied for a second time,” she recalled. “I thought that I would fail, but I still tried again, and I got accepted as a participant for JENESYS 2025, representing Fiji.”
Her moment of acceptance was overwhelmingly emotional. “When I was chosen, I broke into tears of happiness because so many had applied, and I never in my wildest dreams thought that God would bless me with this opportunity to represent Fiji’s youth and culture,” she expressed.
The program, organized by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with USP and International Cooperation Supporters (ICoS), paired Ms. Vakacoa with nine other students from the Pacific, including representatives from Samoa, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Tonga. The theme of the exchange revolved around Marine and Environment issues, with the group visiting Tokushima and Kagawa prefectures.
Participants gained deep insights into Japan’s environmental sustainability efforts, which included visits to the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and the NPO Clean Ocean Ensemble. A highlight of the experience was exploring Kamikatsu, a zero waste town renowned for its sophisticated waste management system that sorts waste into 43 categories.
Ms. Vakacoa shared, “Waste is sorted into 43 categories, including compost separated from home.” She noted how the trip expanded her perspective on the link between individual habits and national progress.
Despite facing challenges such as adjusting from Fiji time to Japan time and navigating a significant language barrier, Ms. Vakacoa embraced the experience. Her adaptability and willingness to learn helped her bridge cultural differences. “I navigated this by keeping an open mind and following the schedule,” she said, emphasizing the importance of patience and effective communication.
Beyond technical knowledge, Ms. Vakacoa was deeply moved by the core values of respect, discipline, and community responsibility reflected in Japanese society. Activities like cruising Hyotan Island and experiencing a traditional homestay highlighted the significance of punctuality and collaboration.
Now back at the USP Lautoka Campus to complete her degree, Ms. Vakacoa encourages her peers to pursue opportunities outside their comfort zones. “I would tell fellow students enrolled at USP that opportunities like JENESYS are not out of reach; they are meant for those willing to try,” she advised. “Do not let self-doubt limit you because if you never apply, you will never know what doors could open.”
Her journey serves as a reminder that perseverance can lead to remarkable experiences and growth.
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