Monash Nutrition students make a difference abroad

Last month, a delegation of 10 students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics visited Fiji as part of the volunteer program. Friends4Fiji is a not-for-profit organisation, based at Monash UniveristyClayton, that aims to bring medical knowledge and resources to the Urman Prasad School of Medicine at the University of Fiji.

”It was such a privilege to be able to empower people with the skills to change their futures. It was really impacting to see ‘the light turn on’ for people when they realised that they could improve their health and the health of their families through food”. said Hannah Vass, who volunteered with the program.  

The group delivered programs to local high school students including nutrition education and cooking classes as well as pre-diabetes testing. 

Delegates worked with Medical Students from the University of Fiji who were interested in learning more about the role of nutrition in health. Here they spoke about their work at a Public Health forum at the University.

Free health screenings and individual nutrition counselling sessions in community centres and villages were provided as part of the program.

“There is a vital role for dietitians and nutritionists in Fiji to influence individuals eating behaviours, as well as making the food environment and culture more supportive of healthy eating to prevent disease.” Said Hannah. “When we saw the individuals and families suffering from largely preventable conditions, we realised how crucial education is.”

Travelling to Fiji allowed students from the department to address nutrition issues first hand. ‘I've learnt as a future health professional that you can never predict what a person will need, rather it is extremely important to have an open mind and listen to them’.