Page 20 - Fiji Traveller 2024 Issue 6

VOU: Embodying the essence of the Pacific

By Debbie Singh By investing in education pathways and nurturing talented
artists, VOU is ensuring the long-term sustainability of the cultural
In September 2022, the VOU Dance Company in Fiji was and creative sectors, positioning Fiji as a hub of creativity and
awarded a grant of almost €180,000 through an African Caribbean cultural richness, and demonstrating that the cultural and creative
Pacific (ACP) - European Union (EU) funded project to promote industries are a powerful driver of sustainable development.
the sustainability of cultural and creative industries in the Pacific. “I don't think that we could have done everything that we
The project is implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) have without the ACP-EU grant. In addition to the educational
in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology scholarships, the grant has allowed us to upgrade and develop
(QUT), with financial contribution from the EU and support of the our performances and shows. We are very grateful to have been
Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific awarded this grant which is facilitated by the SPC. The grant has
States. paid for the tertiary tuition fees of all the students who graduated
The grant is the only targeted funding to support the from the VOU Conservatorium of Dance in November last year,”
development of the cultural and creative sector in the Pacific. Mrs Soro said.
As the first successful grantee in 2022, VOU’s achievement “The curriculum is designed so that our graduates are prepared
highlights the importance of its work in promoting cultural to work in a wide variety of professions, such as dancers,
diversity, inclusion, contributing to economic prosperity and choreographers, dance teachers, dance writers and researchers,
creating employment opportunities in Fiji, including supporting rehearsal directors, arts marketers, event organisers, festival
sustainable livelihoods for women and youth. directors, costume designers, lighting and sound technicians,
VOU aims to create 100 sustainable cultural and creative dance film creators, music editors and many more creative
industry jobs for women and youth in Fiji through the ACP-EU career paths that may have not been even conceived yet."
grant funding. With over 70 jobs already established, VOU is well The 13 students, who are scholarship recipients under the
on its way to achieving this goal within its projected timeframe. ACP-EU grant, graduated with a Diploma in Dance on 20
“The impact of the creation of these jobs goes beyond mere November 2023. They will now join the VOU Conservatorium
skills development and employment; it empowers individuals, of Dance, making them the most highly, locally trained dance
strengthens communities, and fosters a sense of pride and professionals in the Pacific region, completing over 1,600 hours
identity,” VOU Director Sachiko Soro explains. of dance studio class time in a wide genre of dances, including

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