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MOP NETWORKING IN FIJI - LOCAL COORDINATORS TRAINING WORKSHOP
The above workshop was held at TRANS International Hotel for 5 days whereby the participants arrived on the 30th of April from 4pm and departed on the 6th of May at 10am. A total of 24 participants, 12 staff, 20 special guests, 20 volunteer hotel workers and 10 media officials took part in this event. The aim of this Meet was to train the local coordinators from the 26 districts who will then implement MOP initiatives and create an everlasting impact on PEACE in Fiji. This 5 days workshop helped build a MOP network in Fiji and let the people of Fiji realize the importance of PEACE within us, within our family members, in our communities and in Fiji as a whole. Furthermore, this gathering of MoP Local District Coordinators from the 26 Scouting Districts of Fiji helped to share the information and experience on MoP Initiative and help acquire knowledge and skills in the promotion of MoP Network and Project Management towards effective implementation of the Initiative in Fiji and to TRAIN to become a LOCAL MoP.
Participants were taught and explained on the development and success stories on the MoP Initiative (Network & Fund) that took place in Fiji, how to strengthen knowledge and skills on MoP Network & Project Management, help identify scope in further strengthening Scouting and communities through MoP projects, help review the role of FSA Local MoP Coordinators and expectations, help prepare 2 years FSA District action plan on MoP Initiative (2017-2018), got to experience on field trips and various MOP networking and MOP games were taughts.
The Director, Development Support and Finance, APR - Mr. Prassanna Shrivastava was the main facilitator while the Regional Director, APR - Mr. J. Rizal C. Pangilinan also gave his presence during the workshop.
The first day commenced with the opening ceremony where the Minster for Youth and Sports - Hon. Mr. Laisenia Tuitubou was the chief guest. The day then began with Integration session, workshop objectives and participants expectations, followed be the introduction if MOP initiatives, then the better world format was introduced, global dimension of network and finally the update on the MOP initiative of Fiji and APR as a whole. Second day started with the update of global /APR MOP initiative and then the rest of the day was spent on the preparation for field visit. The evening session was also spent at a nearby Hindu Temple where all the participants took part in the scouts own ceremony. The third day began with the actual Field Trip at the Sabeto Village for almost half a day where our participants organized MOP stations with almost 100 children. The second half of the day was spent on telling story and how to load service project hours and how to use the scout.org platform. The evening session was spent in Viseisei Village where the participants were hosted with the traditional Fijian meal - "lovo" and the ceremonial drink - "kava". The fourth day began with MOP fund, project management and how to apply for grant while the Chief Scout (President of Fiji) - His excellency Mr. Joiji Konrote paid a courtesy visit for 45 minutes. The second half of the day was spent on project writing and presentation. The final day was spent on MOP brand promotion, MOP Coordinators Roles, Action Planning 2017/2018, recommendations and then open forum evaluation. Finally, the closing was done by the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts - Mr. Iowane Ponipate Tiko and he was accompanied by the Director Primary - Mr. Hem Chand.
It was a very successful and enriching week-long workshop.