A new not-for-profit organisation, SOS Unleashed, will provide Fijian schools with $100,000 of sporting equipment over four ‘Schoolie’ travel holidays as part of a cultural exchange program.
Proving that Australian students are interested in more than just sun, sand and parties SOS Unleashed – partner of leading Schoolies travel provider, Unleashed Travel – will provide teens with the opportunity to explore the cultures of Fijian youths while giving something back to overseas communities.
Jot Lynas, Managing Director of Unleashed Travel says that the cultural exchange program was developed following student demand to connect further with the countries that they’re visiting.
“Students on previous trips with Unleashed Travel have always been so grateful for the hospitality provided by the Fijian community and many have approached me personally to explain how they would love to spend more time interacting with the locals on the islands and also give something back,” explains Jot Lynas.
“This new partnership is the perfect way for us to marry both.”
The initiative will host four large events at rural Fijian schools this summer, with more than 4,000 Fijian and Australian school students participating.
Each event will be a huge celebration of song, dance, food and sport. At the conclusion of each event brand new sports kits will be distributed to schools, sports clubs and youth clubs – totalling 120 kits distributed across the four events. This will give the schools and clubs the equipment needed to help raise the standard of sports in rural Fiji.
The Chairman of SOS Unleashed, Peter Cole OAM, says the new organisation is committed to making a positive impact on the Asia Pacific.
“Having over 50 years of combined experience in the industry, sport is a central passion of all our team members. We intend to initiate change and provide opportunity.
“Partnering with Unleashed Travel to create SOS Unleashed provides the perfect opportunity to also educate youths here in Australia on how they can help.”
Next week, a small team will head to rural areas to visit three locations and over 40 schools. The events on 28th November, 5th December and 10th December will be held at Natabua Secondary School in Lautoka, Fiji.
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