Over the years many schools, teachers and principles have contributed to Fiji Book Drive with books. We thank you all for your care and generosity. Of course we need books but there is another multiple at work here. When we get donated books we must process, search, store, collate, package and then ship them to Fiji. This takes funds. It costs Fiji Book Drive money to carry out this brilliant work to change the lives of the kids of Fiji.

What's the answer to this tricky equation I hear you ask?

Books+Funds = equals real change in literacy in Fiji

So how can you assist with this tricky equation?

Read below!

There is a very simple SOCIAL awareness activity you could run with your students - we call this game ' The Fiji Book Drive Sandpit'.

This game is about educating young people in the power of giving, a little entrepreneurship and a nice leadership and teamwork exercise all in one.

How it works:

• Select a class or group of students to play the game

• Brief them on the Fiji Book Drive story and the outcomes of the 8 week program ( collect books, create a clever fundraising idea, form a team to raise money and then deliver)

Give them the 8 week plan outline that explains what they must do as a team - Books+Funds = Reading Kids in Fiji

Then watch them storm, form, norm and perform as a team - like Dragons Den for kids!

Overview

Students will work in small teams to develop, plan, and execute a fundraising initiative that matches the number of books donated to Fiji Book Drive. The activity emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and community engagement.

Week 1: Introduction and Awareness

• Goal: Understand the mission of Fiji Book Drive and the importance of access to education.

• Activities:

  • Guest speaker or video presentation from Fiji Book Drive explaining their work.

  • Group discussion: "Why is access to education important?"

  • Teams formed, and initial brainstorming begins for fundraising ideas.

Week 2: Research and Ideation

• Goal: Generate and evaluate fundraising ideas.

• Activities:

  • Teams research successful fundraising campaigns and their impact.

  • Each team drafts 2-3 potential fundraising initiatives.

  • Peer feedback session: Teams present ideas and refine them based on feedback.

Week 3: Planning and Budgeting

• Goal: Develop a detailed plan for the chosen fundraising initiative.

• Activities:

  • Teams create a project plan, including timelines, roles, and responsibilities.

  • Budgeting session: Estimate costs and set fundraising targets.

  • Teams present their plans to the class for feedback.

Week 4: Community Engagement

• Goal: Build support and promote the initiative.

• Activities:

  • Teams design promotional materials (posters, social media posts, etc.).

  • Outreach: Write letters or emails to local businesses and community members for support.

  • Teams practice their "pitch" for community involvement.

Week 5: Fundraising Execution (Part 1)

• Goal: Launch the initiatives.

• Activities:

  • Teams execute the first phase of their fundraising plans (e.g., events, online campaigns).

  • Document the process with photos, videos, or journal entries.

Week 6: Fundraising Execution (Part 2)

• Goal: Continue and adapt fundraising efforts.

• Activities:

  • Teams analyze progress and adjust strategies if needed.

  • Reflection activity: "What’s working? What can we improve?"

  • Continue engaging the community to boost efforts.

Week 7: Celebration and Book Matching

• Goal: Finalize the fundraising and connect it to the book donations.

• Activities:

  • Teams wrap up their initiatives and tally the funds raised.

  • Discuss the number of books their fundraising will match and celebrate the achievement.

  • Teams prepare presentations about their journey and results.

Week 8: Reflection and Impact

• Goal: Reflect on the experience and its impact on both Fiji Book Drive and the students.

• Activities:

  • Teams deliver final presentations, including lessons learned and the initiative's impact.

  • Group discussion: "How did this experience change your perspective on giving back?"

  • Send a collective letter with the books and funds to Fiji Book Drive, signed by all students.

Outcomes

• Skills Developed: Teamwork, leadership, communication, creativity, budgeting, and community engagement.

• Values Instilled: Empathy, social responsibility, and the importance of education for all.

Introduction

This 8-week activity is designed to help Year 10 students develop a sense of giving back and community involvement by supporting Fiji Book Drive. Students will work in teams to create and execute a fundraising initiative that matches the number of books donated to Fiji Book Drive. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and resources to facilitate the activity.

Facilitator Preparation

• Familiarize yourself with the mission of Fiji Book Drive by visiting their website or speaking with a representative.

• Prepare resources for each week’s activities (e.g., guest speakers, brainstorming templates, budget worksheets).

• Arrange access to necessary materials and tools, such as computers, art supplies, and promotional platforms.

• Schedule key events, such as the guest speaker session and final presentations.

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction and Awareness

• Objective: Introduce Fiji Book Drive and the activity goals.

• Preparation:

  • Arrange for a guest speaker or prepare a short video about Fiji Book Drive.

  • Print team roles and brainstorming templates.

• Session Plan:

  1. Welcome students and explain the activity.

  2. Present Fiji Book Drive’s mission and the importance of education.

  3. Divide students into teams (4-6 members per team).

  4. Begin initial brainstorming for fundraising ideas.

  5. Assign a team leader and roles (e.g., researcher, marketer).

Week 2: Research and Ideation

• Objective: Generate and refine fundraising ideas.

• Preparation:

  • Provide examples of successful fundraising campaigns.

  • Print idea evaluation worksheets.

• Session Plan:

  1. Guide teams to research creative and effective fundraising methods.

  2. Teams draft 2-3 ideas and fill out evaluation worksheets.

  3. Facilitate a peer feedback session: Each team presents their ideas and receives constructive input.

Week 3: Planning and Budgeting

• Objective: Develop a detailed plan for execution.

• Preparation:

  • Prepare project planning and budget templates.

• Session Plan:

  1. Teams select their final fundraising idea.

  2. Guide students to create a project plan, including key milestones and timelines.

  3. Assist teams in creating realistic budgets and setting fundraising targets.

  4. Host a checkpoint meeting for each team to review plans and provide feedback.

Week 4: Community Engagement

• Objective: Promote initiatives and gain community support.

• Preparation:

  • Provide access to design tools (e.g., Canva, art supplies).

  • Draft templates for outreach letters or emails.

• Session Plan:

  1. Assist teams in creating promotional materials (posters, social media posts, etc.).

  2. Help teams craft outreach messages to local businesses and community members.

  3. Organize practice sessions where teams refine their "pitches."

Week 5: Fundraising Execution (Part 1)

• Objective: Launch fundraising initiatives.

• Preparation:

  • Ensure teams have necessary resources for their events or campaigns.

• Session Plan:

  1. Guide teams as they execute the first phase of their initiatives.

  2. Encourage documentation (photos, videos, journals) to capture progress.

  3. Be available to troubleshoot and provide real-time support.

Week 6: Fundraising Execution (Part 2)

• Objective: Adapt and continue fundraising efforts.

• Preparation:

  • Prepare reflection templates.

• Session Plan:

  1. Facilitate a mid-point reflection: Teams assess what’s working and what needs improvement.

  2. Guide teams to adjust strategies based on their assessments.

  3. Continue promoting and executing fundraising activities.

Week 7: Celebration and Book Matching

• Objective: Wrap up fundraising and celebrate achievements.

• Preparation:

  • Arrange for a celebratory session (e.g., snacks, certificates).

  • Prepare a summary of the total funds raised and books donated.

• Session Plan:

  1. Teams finalize their fundraising initiatives and calculate funds raised.

  2. Discuss how the funds will match the books donated.

  3. Celebrate successes with a class discussion and recognition of standout efforts.

Week 8: Reflection and Impact

• Objective: Reflect on the experience and its broader impact.

• Preparation:

  • Create a template for team presentations.

  • Arrange a letter-writing session to Fiji Book Drive.

• Session Plan:

  1. Teams present their fundraising journey, including challenges and achievements.

  2. Facilitate a group discussion on the importance of giving back.

  3. Guide students in writing a collective letter to Fiji Book Drive, sharing their experience.

  4. End with a class reflection: "What did you learn about teamwork and community involvement?"

Facilitator Tips

• Encourage Collaboration: Emphasize teamwork and ensure all members contribute equally.

• Be Flexible: Adapt activities to the needs and dynamics of the class.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize progress and efforts throughout the activity.

• Foster Reflection: Use guided questions to help students connect their efforts to the broader impact on Fiji Book Drive and the children in Fiji.

Resources

• Templates and Worksheets: Brainstorming, project planning, budget templates.

• Promotional Tools: Canva, PowerPoint, or art supplies for posters.

• Support Contacts: Fiji Book Drive representative, local businesses, and community organizations.

• Reflection Prompts: Questions to guide discussions and journaling.

Outcome Goals

• Skills Developed: Leadership, teamwork, communication, project management.

• Values Instilled: Empathy, social responsibility, community engagement.

• Impact: Increased awareness and support for Fiji Book Drive contributing to education for children in Fiji.