Laptops bring learning to life in Fiji classrooms

What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a meaningful initiative that’s connecting classrooms in Fiji with the tools they need to thrive.

Thanks to the efforts of Catholic Education Tasmania’s IT team and the passion of long-time staff member Lisa Fenning, refurbished laptops are finding new purpose in the hands of teachers and students at Tagaqe District School, nestled on Fiji’s Coral Coast.

Caption: Ben Cooper and Lisa Fenning

Lisa, who frequently visits Fiji, developed a close connection with the staff and students during previous trips.

“As a teacher, I was curious about what was happening in their schools,” she explains. “I learned that while they’re slowly introducing screens into classrooms, most teachers still don’t have access to a computer. They were handwriting reports and using their phones for official department forms—it was time-consuming and limiting.”

Inspired to help, Lisa spoke with the CET IT team, who had laptops no longer fit for corporate use but still fully functional.

“We update technology regularly across our 38 schools,” explains ICT Client Services Manager Ben Cooper. “Some devices can’t connect securely to our networks anymore, but that doesn’t mean they’re without value. For home users or schools with fewer resources, they’re still incredibly useful.”

Around 40 laptops have now been delivered by hand to Tagaqe District School and surrounding community, thanks to Lisa and her family. The impact was immediate and heartfelt.

“The teachers were overwhelmed. For many, it was the first time they’d had their own device,” says Lisa. “The laptops will be used with new classroom display screens to access online teaching resources—especially English language models, since teachers themselves are often teaching in their second or third language.”

Caption: Students from Tagaqe District School

This technology is doing more than just supporting classroom learning. It’s strengthening the entire school community.

Teachers now have the tools to look up best practices, communicate more efficiently, and complete essential administrative tasks—like health checks and reporting—much more quickly.

In Fiji’s collectivist culture, the benefit of each laptop extends well beyond a single person.

“What is good for one becomes good for all,” Lisa reflects. “Resources are shared, families help each other, and the laptops will be used across classrooms and communities.”

Caption: Lisa, Solo, and Naomi

The initiative began with one conversation. “It was actually Debbie Waechter from our IT team who first raised the idea,” says Lisa. “Then Ben made it happen, and I delivered the laptops. It just shows what’s possible when individuals care.”

There are already plans to do more. Lisa’s family and friends are donating netballs, uniforms, and school supplies. The IT team is gathering more retired devices. “We’re committed to continuing this work—not just in Fiji, but in local communities too,” says Ben.

This initiative is a reminder that lasting change often starts with a single idea—but it’s through collaboration that it grows.

From a conversation between colleagues to the hands-on support of IT staff and the generosity of families and friends, this has become a shared effort to do more with what we have. Together, we’re helping bridge the gap in access to education and information—one laptop, one classroom, and one community at a time.