28 September 2026 | Virtual Welcome and Networking Engagement

The Fiji Society UK welcomed members of the 2026/2027 Chevening Scholars cohort and Commonwealth Scholars to a virtual welcome and networking engagement on 28 September 2026, creating an opportunity to connect with the Society, learn about its work and explore ways to contribute to strengthening Fiji–UK relations.

The session introduced scholars to the Fiji Society’s five pillars and its commitment to fostering meaningful connections between Fiji, the United Kingdom and the wider Fijian diaspora through education, leadership, culture, community engagement and collaboration.

The engagement also built on the Society’s ongoing efforts to connect Fijian scholars studying in the UK with opportunities to share their knowledge, develop professional networks and contribute to initiatives that benefit Fiji and its people.

Building on a Year of Engagement

Over the past year, the Fiji Society has had the pleasure of engaging with the 2025/2026 Fiji Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars cohort through several initiatives aligned with the Society’s pillars. These engagements have deepened connections with the UK–Fiji community, explored shared interests, and encouraged scholars to participate in activities beyond their academic pursuits.

Key initiatives included:

  • Visit to the FCDO and Westminster – February 2026: Providing an opportunity to learn more about the UK’s diplomatic and parliamentary institutions and their relevance to international relations and Fiji–UK engagement.
  • Girmit Day celebrations – May 2026: Bringing people together to commemorate the history, resilience and contributions of the Girmitiya community, while recognising the importance of preserving Fiji’s shared heritage for future generations.
  • UK–Fiji Climate Symposium, Liverpool – July 2026: Bringing stakeholders together to explore climate-related challenges and opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the context of Fiji and other Pacific Island nations.

These initiatives reflect the Society’s commitment to creating opportunities for scholars to engage with institutions, communities and stakeholders while strengthening their understanding of the connections between the UK and Fiji.

Building on these experiences, the Fiji Society would be delighted to extend similar opportunities to the 2026/2027 Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars cohort, with further engagements throughout the academic year.

A Welcome and Networking Session for the 2026/2027 Cohort

As an initial opportunity to connect, the Society convened the virtual session on Monday, 28 September 2026, at 7:00 pm UK time.

The engagement welcomed scholars into the Fiji Society network and introduced the organisation’s work, priorities, and opportunities for involvement. It also encouraged an open exchange of ideas about how scholars could contribute their skills, professional expertise and personal interests to initiatives that strengthen UK–Fiji connections.

The session was designed not only to introduce the Society to the new cohort but also to understand the scholars’ aspirations. Participants were encouraged to share their passions and interests, what they hoped to achieve during their Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarship year, and one area or initiative through which they would like to help strengthen UK–Fiji ties.

This exchange aimed to identify common interests and lay the groundwork for future collaboration, networking, and volunteering.

Volunteering with Purpose: Reflections from a Chevening Scholar

The session also featured Avaneesh Raman, Programme Lead of the Fiji Society and a 2025/2026 Chevening Scholar, who remains in the UK following his studies at Loughborough University.

Avaneesh shared reflections from his Chevening journey and his experience of volunteering with the Fiji Society since February 2026. His contribution highlighted how scholars can make the most of their time in the UK by combining academic learning with purposeful volunteering, meaningful networking and active participation in community initiatives.

His experience illustrates how engagement beyond the classroom can create opportunities to learn from different sectors, build lasting professional relationships and contribute to causes that extend beyond individual academic and career ambitions.

For international scholars, volunteering can also provide a valuable platform to exchange knowledge, understand the local context, develop new skills and build relationships with people and organisations working towards shared goals.

Through his involvement with the Fiji Society, Avaneesh has contributed to initiatives that connect the Fijian diaspora, promote cultural understanding and strengthen relationships between Fiji and the UK. His reflections encouraged scholars to consider how they could translate their expertise, interests, and experiences into meaningful contributions during their time in Britain.

The central message was simple: a scholarship is not only an opportunity to learn, but also to serve, connect, and create lasting impact.

Education and Leadership: Turning Knowledge into Action

A key focus of the engagement was the Fiji Society’s Education and Leadership pillar, which seeks to create opportunities through learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development.

The Society recognises that Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars bring a wealth of knowledge, professional experience and diverse perspectives from across disciplines and sectors. These strengths can support initiatives that inspire future generations, encourage knowledge exchange, and strengthen leadership within the Fijian community.

Scholars were encouraged to explore opportunities to contribute through volunteering, mentoring, sharing professional insights, supporting educational initiatives and participating in networking and community engagement activities.

Their involvement could help foster connections between students, professionals, community organisations and institutions in the UK and Fiji. It could also create opportunities for scholars to share lessons from their studies and professional journeys with young people and aspiring leaders.

More broadly, the Education and Leadership pillar offers a platform for scholars to turn their academic experiences into practical contributions, helping build bridges between knowledge, opportunity, and service.

Learn more about the Society’s work in this area: Fiji Society – Education and Leadership.

Five Pillars, One Shared Purpose

The welcome session also introduced scholars to the Fiji Society’s five pillars, highlighting the interconnected nature of its work and the different ways members can contribute.

While the Education and Leadership pillar offers a natural starting point for scholars who want to share their knowledge and professional expertise, the Society’s broader activities offer opportunities to engage across its areas of work.

Through cultural celebrations, policy discussions, community initiatives, professional networking, or educational programmes, scholars can find opportunities that align with their passions and contribute to the Society’s wider mission.

The objective is to build a connected and engaged network in which scholars are not simply participants in activities but active contributors who bring ideas, energy and expertise to shared initiatives.