Contestants of the Hibiscus Festival 2025 brought smiles and heartfelt conversations to the Golden Age Home today as part of their community outreach program.
Among them was 23-year-old nurse Tia’re Colavoli, sponsored by Leleuvia Island Resort, who shared how the visit offered more than just a moment of connection, it was a meaningful education.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Colavoli, originally from Kadavu with maternal links to Cakaudrove, says the visit was a reminder of the importance of raising awareness around elderly care, especially at the grassroots level.
Colavoli says that, as contestants, they are blessed with a platform through this festival, and she believes it is their role to advocate for elderly care, bringing awareness to our communities and villages.
She adds that it is about developing a different level of patience, and for her, it builds character.
A nurse by profession, Colavoli says she has always viewed it from the perspective that this is someone’s mother or someone’s father, and with that mindset, she strives to do her best for them.
In addition to her dedication to health and community, Tia’re Colavoli is also a passionate advocate for marine conservation, which is her key advocacy at this year’s Hibiscus Festival.
She says that as an island girl through and through, she grew up with traditional practices such as taboo zones, where fishing and harvesting are restricted to allow marine ecosystems to recover.
She is urging people that protecting our seas is protecting our future.
Hibiscus Festival village opens at midday at the Suva Foreshore.
The festival concludes this Saturday.
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