FOR more than a decade, Fiji Book Drive has been quietly transforming classrooms across the islands bringing stories, knowledge, and hope to thousands of children.
Founded in 2012 by Melbourne-based educator Fiona Luth, the non-profit has since donated more than 407,000 books to 288 schools and kindergartens across Fiji.
Its mission is simple yet profound, to improve educational outcomes and life opportunities for students through access to quality learning resources. By repurposing surplus books from Australia and sending them to under-resourced Fijian schools, Fiji Book Drive is helping to close the gap in literacy and learning.
“Education empowers communities,” Fiona says. “And one of the keys to education is having the right resources. There are more than enough books in Australia, we’re just redirecting them to where they’re needed most.”
The idea was born during a trip to Kadavu. “I was looking at this incredible tropical scene, and I just had this one-second thought: I want to positively impact as many people as possible,” Fiona recalled.
Soon after, she visited Vunisea District School, where she found just ten books in a classroom of eager students. “It was confronting,” she said. “These children are just as good as any others in Melbourne. Why don’t they have books? That’s just not right.”
The experience motivated her into action. Back in Australia, she began collecting donated books from schools, libraries, and families, and soon after sent her first shipment over to Fiji. From there, Fiji Book Drive grew into a coordinated effort supported by hundreds of volunteers.
Unlike traditional donation drives, Fiji Book Drive uses a “designed impact” approach, ensuring that each shipment matches the needs of the recipient school. Every library is hand-selected to suit the school’s size, infrastructure, and literacy levels.
“As a former English teacher, I understand what’s appropriate for children who are learning English as a second language,” Fiona explained. “We consider the cultural context, the reading level, and the durability of each book. It’s about sending the right books.”
This thoughtful approach has not only built libraries but also revived the love of reading in many Fijian schools.
Books that bring joy
At Navosa District School, teacher Miliana Drole has taught for more than three decades yet she says nothing compares to the excitement that came with the arrival of 41 cartons of books.
“In 31 years of teaching, this is the first time I’ve experienced this amount of books. It’s a blessing to our school and to the children,” she said. “Their reaction was priceless; they were so happy.”
Another teacher added, “Ever since we received these books, our English has improved. The children love reading now, and our library and corridor are always full during break hours.”
At Raunitogo Primary School, Head Teacher Avinesh Chand shared a similar story. “On my way to Suva to collect the cartons, I thought we’d only get three because the travel was expensive. But to my surprise, we received more than I could ever imagine,” he said. “Our literacy levels have soared, and our children are blessed with really quality storybooks.”
All the way in Kadavu, parent Livai Karuru says the donation to Natumua Kindergarten has transformed it into one of the most advanced kindergartens on the island.
Even the students themselves understand the difference. One young reader said, “I thank Fiji Book Drive for giving us books, because we needed them.” A Year 8 student added, “It’s a blessing because it helps children learn to read and write especially the younger ones.”
For Fiona, the books are just the beginning.
“Donating books is probably about half the equation,” she said. “Literacy doesn’t just improve on its own. Schools need to run their own programs, that’s why we talk to communities.”
Her vision for the next chapter includes employing retired Fijian teachers to help schools build stronger literacy programs and funding more books in vernacular languages.
“Right now, we can afford to do that for only about a third of the schools,” she said. “Ideally, I would like to spend about $50,000 a year on vernacular books.”
Behind this work is a dedicated team of around 350 volunteers in Australia, teachers, students, families, and professionals who collect, sort, and pack each shipment. “It takes about 250 people over six sessions to fill one 40-foot container,” Fiona said. “The generosity behind it is incredible.”
Fiona’s work has drawn national attention, including a recent meeting with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. “It was absolutely fantastic,” she said. “He’s a very good listener. Apparently, he’s really happy with what we’re doing.”
While there is growing interest in expanding to other Pacific nations, Fiona remains grounded. “Fiji alone has over 700 primary schools, and they all need top-up donations every few years,” she said. “Each province has its own dialects and traditions. For now, our focus is here.”
Still, her broader vision is unmistakable. “I’d love to speak on the world stage about the urgency of literacy in the Pacific,” she said. “Our islands are already facing the brunt of climate change. The world’s best leaders are readers and that’s why helping children become readers matters so much.”
Fiji Book Drive is more than a project, it is a story of connection, community, and hope.
As one student said simply, holding a donated storybook: “Thank you, Fiji Book Drive. Because now, we love reading.”