13 students from Brigham Young University supported Fiji’s Ministry of Health earlier this week by staffing a free community health screening for residents of Navaki, near Nadi.
The students, on a four hour layover on their way to Tonga this Monday [20 May 2013], worked with government officials, local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and business leaders to provide the health screening service.
In partnership with the Nadi Health Centre and its nurses, the transiting BYU student nurses were able to carry out blood and sugar tests and general health checks for 76 residents of the Navakai community.
Solomone Kaumaitotoya, a Nadi Latter-day Saint leader, said, “It was humbling to see mothers, grandmothers, elderly men and young children walking to the clinic to receive free medical checks conducted by the BYU student nurses.”
“Most memorable was a gentleman who came along with homemade crutches. He really touched the students’ hearts.”
Many who reside in Navaki live in very poor circumstances, Mr. Kaumaitotoya says. “Seeing the living conditions and challenges faced by the local people was a very humbling experience for the BYU nurses.”
Mr. Kaumaitotoya added that serving in the community enriches everyone — the beneficiaries, and those providing the service.
Mr Padayachi, representing the Navaki community, expressed gratitude for the clinic, for the BYU student nurses and local Latter-day Saints who assisted. He said that the BYU students were always welcome to come back to their community.
12 of the students are juniors and one is a graduate of the university. They have all completed at least four semesters of nursing courses.
Brigham Young University has three campuses — in Utah, Idaho and Hawaii. The universities are owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We’re grateful for these young people and for their desire to share their time and talents in serving our people,” Latter-day Saint leader, Elder Taniela Wakolo said. “In this case, they could have sat at the airport while they waited for their next flight, or go sight-seeing or shopping — but, no, they wanted to help others.”
“Our young people, and all Latter-day Saints, are encouraged to give service to others, as Jesus Christ commanded and as He showed in His own life,” Elder Wakolo said.