This year’s theme for Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti – Fijian Language Week is ‘Me vakabulabulataki, vakamareqeti, ka vakaqaqacotaki na vosa vakaviti’, which means, Nurture, Preserve and Sustain the Fijian language.
We chatted to Evivi Cirikiwai, a Registered Nurse in the Perioperative Unit at Hutt Hospital, about her Fijian culture and what Fijian Language Week means to her.
Tell us about your job.
“I've been a nurse for many years and enjoy it; it's challenging but also rewarding. I have recently started in the new Second Stage Recovery ward part of the Perioperative Unit, to help cater to the needs of the post-operative patients, and I’m enjoying it, working alongside a great team who are willing to learn on the job as we go. The work itself is interesting, and I'm constantly learning new things. It's also nice to feel like I'm making a difference and contributing to something meaningful. Overall, I'm thrilled with my job and feel fortunate to be a part of such a great team.”
What do you love most about your job?
“I love the feeling of satisfaction that comes from helping people. Being able to assist and make someone's day a little easier is truly rewarding. Knowing that I can provide helpful information and guidance makes my job fulfilling. It's also great to learn and grow in my abilities. Mostly, I love the opportunity to serve others positively.”
How important is it to celebrate your Language Week?
“As a proud Fijian, I believe that Fijian Language Week is incredibly important. It's a time for us to celebrate our culture and heritage, and to remind ourselves of the importance of our language. Our language is the key to unlocking our history and traditions, and it's essential that we pass it down to future generations. Celebrating Fijian Language Week helps raise awareness of the importance of our language and culture, and it's a great opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate our unique identity.”
How does speaking your language help in the health sector?
“Speaking the Fijian language is incredibly helpful in the health sector. It allows healthcare providers to communicate effectively with Fijian patients, which can improve their overall health outcomes. When patients can understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and instructions for care, they are more likely to follow through with their treatment plan and experience better health outcomes. Additionally, speaking Fijian can help healthcare providers build trust with their patients and create a more welcoming and supportive environment for care. This can lead to increased patient satisfaction and improved health outcomes.”
Is there something that you would like to see changed for your people in the health system?
“As a member of the Fijian community in New Zealand, I think that there are some changes that could be made to the health system that would benefit our people. For one, I would like to see health research done on our Fijian community so we can gauge and tailor outreach programs that specifically target Fijians and other Pacific Islanders.
I think that there should be more trained Fijian doctors and nurses working in the health system. This would not only help to build trust between Fijian patients and their healthcare providers, but it would also ensure that cultural differences are taken into account when providing care.
Lastly, I think that there should be more resources available to Fijians who are struggling with mental health issues. This could include more funding for counselling services and support groups, as well as more education on the importance of seeking help when needed. “
How do you embrace your culture and language?
“As someone who is proud of their Fijian heritage, I find that embracing my culture and language is essential. To do so, I make an effort to learn about the traditions and customs of my people, and actively seek out opportunities to speak the Fijian language. Whether it's at home, or through attending cultural events, engaging with fellow Fijians, or simply reading and listening to Fijian media, I am constantly working to deepen my connection to my roots. I find that the more I embrace my culture and language, the more enriched my life becomes. I can then teach and pass this on to my kiwi born children.”
