A new initiative, the iTaukei Peace Education Program, is set to launch in Fiji with the goal of preserving the indigenous language and cultural heritage of the iTaukei people. Announced during the “Hope in Fiji; Peace Festival” in Suva, this initiative comes from Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), as indicated by senior adviser Bimal Deo.
Mr. Deo expressed that the program aims to honor the iTaukei language and cultural stories as essential elements for bolstering youth empowerment and promoting cultural preservation. He articulated that the initiative would help instill peace values in young people through the lens of their own culture, creating connections of gratitude, respect, and harmony that draw on traditional wisdom handed down through generations.
Part of a broader global peace education framework introduced by HWPL, the iTaukei Peace Education Program will translate educational modules into the iTaukei language while incorporating Fijian values such as veidokai (respect) and veirogorogoci (listening to one another). Notably, Mr. Deo emphasized the inclusivity of the initiative, stating that it is designed to embrace all of Fiji’s multicultural communities.
Addressing concerns that focusing on the iTaukei language might marginalize other groups, he affirmed, “Peace education is for everyone.” He emphasized that this program is a significant starting point in celebrating and preserving a part of Fiji’s shared narrative, while also being made accessible through instruction in English and Hindi to accommodate various community identities.
The introduction of this program aligns with recent efforts to revitalize the iTaukei language and cultural practices in Fiji. The Great Council of Chiefs has been vocal about the urgent need for educational reforms, advocating for mandatory iTaukei language teaching in primary schools. This movement reflects a collective recognition of the importance of language as a core component of cultural identity, particularly as concerns about declining proficiency among children have been raised.
Initiatives like the National Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages echo these sentiments, demonstrating a commitment to fostering conditions where the iTaukei language can flourish. Advocates believe that through educational reforms and cultural programs, Fiji can empower future generations to connect with their roots, ensuring the continued vibrancy and richness of its indigenous heritage.
With a focus on education and community engagement, the iTaukei Peace Education Program represents hope for a cultural renaissance in Fiji, fostering pride and continuity in the nation’s unique identity. Through collective efforts to preserve language and culture, there is optimism that Fiji can safeguard its diverse traditions in an ever-globalizing world.
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