Friday and the Golden Oldies team ran a range of life skills training workshops at the Cathedral, and St Johns Bible College sponsored the catering for over a 100 people attending.

Over a 500% increase in numbers attending the workshops this year

Last year was the first year such workshops were run, to offer some skills and knowledge transfer to the Fijian community. Last year 2 craft projects ran. This year with +500% increase in numbers registering 8 workshop topics were run. Some being repeated twice due to demand.

Thomas taught the junior boys some painting skills

Graeme and Roger had over 40 attend 2 sessions on starting a small business

Heather and Bale chat during the lunch break

Luke, ‘our youngest Golden Oldie by a long shot’ having lunch with his painting crew

Jane helping to run the craft workshops that are ever popular

Diabetes is a real issue here with one-in-three contracting diabetes and an amputation every 12-hours occurring! Archer Nurse Adele had arranged for Diabetes Fiji to speak at the workshops and these stats he quoted were very sobering.

A real highlight was the health check clinic, that was mandatory for everyone attending. Blood pressure, heart rates and blood-sugars were tested. Even the Archbishop appreciated the testing and was pleased with his pass results. Several people were advised to seek urgent medical follow-up support.

Archbishop Winston having his health check by Archer nurses Adele and Anita, with Principal Amy watching on

The workshops for life have been one way the Golden Oldies team have been able to give back to the generosity they have received during their week in Fiji.