Fiji

Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific due to an abundance of forest, mineral and fish resources, yet decades of political unrest and social tension have led to an increase in poverty levels particularly in rural areas. Government support for primary and secondary education has resulted in a high literacy rate, but low wages, limited employment opportunities, issues related to land ownership and poor governance prompt many to seek work overseas. As a Pacific Islander nation, Fiji faces significant threats from climate change with rising temperatures on land and sea, changing rainfall patterns and extreme cyclones.

The first Marist Brothers arrived in the Fiji Islands in 1848. Reflecting the cultural attitudes of the time, they opened separate schools for Europeans, indigenous Fijians and Indians. A century later their educational centres in this island nation are not only multicultural and co-educational, but cater for students with learning difficulties and those suffering socio-economic disadvantage. The Marists in Fiji belong to the District of Pacific, one of the three members of the Oceania Council, responsible for Marist ministries in Australia, the Pacific and Melanesia.