Coastal Shores Cleanup

On Saturday 22nd of June, 2024, the College staff and students together with their families joined by the ACOM students from PTC with their families, the St. Luke parish youth, gathered to reflect on the importance of healthy and clean oceans. This involved a clean-up that started at Suva Point and extended to My Suva Picnic Park. About 45 people participated and collected 30 garbage bags full of rubbish.

As global dredging and marine experts, we understand that the oceans and beaches are our natural working environment, and we are deeply committed to treating ‘our global office’ with the utmost care. Maintaining clean beaches and raising awareness about this critical issue are crucial steps in preserving the health of our oceans.

This initiative forms a vital component of the ongoing Certificate IV in Resilience program offered by USP Pacific TAFE in partnership with the Anglican Church Diocese of Polynesia through St. John the Baptist Theological College. This program also includes students from the ACOM in the Solomon Islands, ACOM students from PTC, and Tonga Episcopal Unit youth members. The program is designed to equip learners with the necessary skills to actively engage in resilience initiatives actively, thereby supporting both community and environmental health.

The Archbishop of the Diocese of Polynesia, the Most Reverend Sione Uluilakepa has extended his support in urging all Anglican parishes throughout Polynesia to unite in building resilience and addressing climate change, while fostering stewardship of God's creation and our environment, aligning with the Church 5 Marks of Mission. The Anglican Church is taking steps to encourage its members to take ownership of the responsibility of care towards the environment.

“This is a compulsory unit to be taken by all theological students who are to be ordained priests. I wish to extend to the community that caring can start from just making sure that the environment is clean.” His Grace said the event was their way of giving back to the planet.

Moreover, the Resilience Course Lecturer Mr. Pallawish Kumar stated, "In embracing this cause, we not only honor our role as stewards of the marine environment but also fulfill our spiritual mission to protect and renew the earth. By working together, we can foster a more resilient and sustainable future for both our communities and our planet."