Shaw student Thomas hoping to change lives in Fiji

A student from Shaw is embarking on an adventure to help build health centres and nursing stations in rural Fiji.

Thomas Davys, 18, will be working with the Think Pacific Foundation when he takes part in the one-month building project this summer.  The Foundation manages local projects across the Fiji Islands to enable young Fijians to achieve the goals of the Fiji National Development Plan – a government initiative to create ‘healthy communities living in healthy environments’.

As well as helping to build essential health facilities, Thomas and his team will also be teaching basic carpentry skills to unemployed young people and will fund spaces for Fijian students to gain work-based experience.

Thomas is no stranger to design, having received a special award for a Special Academic Excellence Prize for his extended project in Product Design at Crompton House school, where he studied for his A-levels.  He is currently studying a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering at Newcastle University.

To ensure all funds go directly to the projects in the Fiji islands, Thomas needs to self-fund his project, which he hopes to start this summer.  He is aiming to raise the £2000 cost of the working trip and is looking for help and support from generous Oldhamers.

Says Thomas: “By donating, you will help support my stay in the Fiji Islands and contribute towards several aspects of the exhibition such as the building materials, community and health development projects and towards carbon offsetting projects with local Fijian partners.

“Plus the funds will have a significant impact on the Fiji National Development Plan and the ‘Towards a Healthy Fiji Islands’ initiative. These Government policies will help make a substantial difference to the Fijian villages and the quality of life of the people who live there.

“Having this opportunity would be a dream come true and even the smallest of contributions are deeply valued and appreciated by myself, the Think Pacific Foundation and the communities you would help.

“I am forever grateful for the donations I receive and will be more than delighted to showcase our build progression.”

Thomas had to complete an interview to be accepted onto the project, which he hopes to complete in July this year.

Headteacher at Crompton House school, Karl Newell, congratulated Thomas on being accepted on the project: “Whilst at Crompton House, Thomas was a well-motivated and well organised student who had a very positive outlook, which I am sure will prepare him well for his Fiji Adventure.

“I'm sure it will be an amazing life-changing experience.”

To find out more about Thomas’ project and to donate what you can, click or tap here.

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