Illustration student volunteers in Fiji
Perrine Roch, a student of the BA Illustration at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art, is one the many students at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to benefit from the opportunity of travel to other countries as part of her studies.
Perrine, from Dinas Powys, travelled to Fiji to volunteer as part of the Think Pacific Fiji Village Immersion Programme, funded via the Welsh Government’s Taith initiative.
Run in partnership with the Fijian Government and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the programme focuses on enabling ethical community engagement, the personal growth of its participants and developing their global soft skills.
During the 14-day cultural exchange, Perrine lived with a traditional Fijian family in a rural remote village where she experienced their daily life including the local cuisine cooked in underground earth ovens, and took part in traditional ceremonies.
Praising her experience, Perrine says: “The interaction with local communities was incredible! I felt so welcomed and loved it and I was very emotional leaving the village”.
“The cultural and social aspect of this opportunity was unbelievably valuable to me. I had an amazing time and learned so much, and met so many incredible people along the way! The kindness stood out the most I think, as-well as the people I met.”
During her visit Perrine learned traditional weaving and cooking techniques, and enhanced her knowledge about Fijian culture as well as talked about her own culture through conversations with the villagers and the other volunteers.
She says: “I definitely benefited from this experience culturally and socially. I have a better understanding of how differently we can all live, by choice also!”
Her experiences have also influenced her art practice particularly from a feminist perspective, making her appreciate the freedom afforded to her by her own culture.
She says: “It’s a very ‘traditional’ way of life when it comes to family and gender roles. This made me a whole lot more grateful for the opportunities I have as a woman in Europe. My artwork explores feminism and has a feminist agenda to it, and I think this trip unintentionally fuelled that and inspired me to take every opportunity and to always do more. It gave me motivation and gratitude for my life, whilst staying tolerant to the way other cultures choose to live”.
Although the experience wasn’t without its challenges. Perrine explains: “We ended up getting a lot of rain, to the point of flooding - the kids couldn’t even go to school - which did impact our activities.
She says: “It is definitely not an experience for everybody but I am so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and took part in this.
“I will miss my Fijian family forever!”
Drawing by Perrine Roch, BA Illustration, during her time as a volunteer in Fiji.
Perrine Roch and fellow volunteers try their hand at traditional Fijian cuisine.
Perrine Roch with fellow volunteers in Fiji
Further Information
Eleri Beynon
Head
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 01267 676790
Notes to Editor
Taith is Wales’ international learning exchange programme, which provides funding and opportunities for students and staff in higher education to study, train, and collaborate abroad. Backed by a £65 million investment from the Welsh Government, Taith launched in 2022 to replace global mobility opportunities following the UK’s exit from Erasmus+.
Taith funds physical and virtual international exchanges. This allows Welsh university students and staff to go abroad for learning, teaching, or placements, and supports incoming international students and educators coming to Wales. It includes extra financial support for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds, disabled individuals, and those with additional learning.