Heather Latter
Spending two weeks on a tropical island might sound like paradise. But for Aaron Petrin of Fort Frances, it’s an opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of those who reside in the Republic of Fiji.
The fourth-year commerce student, who currently is studying at the University of Manitoba, recently was accepted to be part of a service learning project in the South Pacific in July through an organization called Volunteer Eco Students Abroad (VESA).
“This program looked amazing, promising to be the experience-of-a-lifetime,” Petrin enthused.
“After learning about VESA, I knew that the cause would be virtuous and meaningful.
“I’m thrilled to be able to go,” he remarked. “It’s going to be an amazing adventure.
I’m going in with my mind open,” he added. “I’m ready to learn and help.”
The group of 30 students will be restoring access to running water in a remote village, teaching English to young Fijians, and building a primary school.
Before Petrin made the decision to volunteer for the program, he conducted some of his own research about Fiji, particularly in relation to Canada.
“I tried my best to discover and compare similar metrics to learn about the differences in the quality of life, economic prosperity, education opportunities, poverty issues, and age distribution between Canada and Fiji,” he indicated, adding his research uncovered a lot more than he had anticipated.
For instance, Petrin discovered 29 percent of the population is less than 15 years old, meaning one in every four Fijians falls in the age ranges of primary school.
“[But] many of these young individuals will not have the opportunity to get a basic primary school education,” he warned.
Petrin also noted the Human Poverty Index (HPI) of Fiji is almost twice that of Canada. While Canada ranks fourth of 182 nations in terms of HPI and the Human Development Index (HDI), Fiji ranks just 108th.
And more than a third of Fiji’s population lives below the basic needs poverty line.
“The statistics are informative and compelling—highlighting the fact that, as Canadians, we have the resources to help these people become more independent so that they can enjoy the standard of living and quality of life that we have benefited from,” Petrin remarked.
He believes the way to tackle the underlying causes of poverty is to provide people with an education.
“What we can accomplish through education far exceeds any potential benefits of debt relief programs, an alternative way of tackling poverty,” he argued.
Petrin said he’s incredibly passionate and committed to helping improve the lives of indigent people.
However, since it’s expensive to travel to Fiji and Petrin is responsible for paying his own way, he is asking local residents to support his involvement in this invaluable experience by helping him, through cash and in-kind donations, as he raises funds for this cause.
“Any contributions will be greatly appreciated, and you can rest assured that anything [you] choose to contribute will be directly helping those in need,” he stressed.
Petrin explained he will be travelling to Fiji this summer regardless of how successful he is in fundraising for this volunteer project. But with some support, he feels he’ll be in a better position to continue learning so he can keep making a difference in the world after he returns to Canada.
He is planning a luncheon or dinner to raise awareness and fundraise for the trip, with the help of Dale Fortes of Boston Pizza here.
Although a date has not yet been determined, it will be during the week of Feb. 15-19.
Petrin also hopes people and other businesses will contribute in a variety of ways, including by providing items for a silent auction, helping out during the meal, and offering financial contributions.
“It’s also a good way for local businesses and organizations to show their support by making in-kind donations that would help make this dinner a success,” he remarked.
“These are some great ways to get people involved in this cause,” he said. “I would also love to hear anyone’s input or suggestions about creative ways to help me fundraise for my trip to Fiji.”
Although he’s currently studying in Winnipeg, Petrin said he’s fortunate to have grown up in Fort Frances and has returned to the community each summer since graduating from high school here.
“In combination with my educational background in business and economics, I am confident that I have begun developing the skills, abilities, values, and leadership traits that are necessary to help make a difference in the world,” he remarked.
“Participating in this volunteer project will only improve and enrich these invaluable skills that I plan to continue developing throughout my life.
“I place a high value on education, community, family, and the rights of children and the underprivileged,” he stressed. “I think my involvement in this cause is a good indicator of that . . . and I plan to enact these values through my experience in Fiji this summer.”
Petrin wants to use what he learns from his work in Fiji to help him accomplish his career and life goals. And he certainly has many plans for the future.
He’s been selected as one of 100 Canadian delegates to attend an investment banking conference in Vancouver this month.
He also has applied for two trips to Montreal—one for a business case competition in March called “Excalibur” and the other for the “Explore French Immersion” program in May.
However, if he doesn’t get accepted to represent his school in “Excalibur” this spring, he plans to continue to develop his public speaking, teamwork, and professional presentation skills.
“I am really excited about being so close to completing my business degree, and cannot wait to get my feet wet in the world of business and begin applying what I have learned,” Petrin enthused.
Upon returning to Canada following his trip to Fiji, Petrin plans to spend the rest of his summer in Fort Frances.
He will be studying for the first of two tests required to obtain the highest level of human resource (HR) designation in Canada—the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation—and would like to complement his knowledge in HR by gaining practical experience through working for his family’s business for the rest of the summer.
In addition, he just recently began a lengthy application process for a 10-month internship at the Manitoba legislature starting in September.
“I want to use my business education to create sustainable new ventures and use social entrepreneurship as a catalyst for social change,” Petrin declared.
“Rather than paying streams of cash flows to shareholders, my dream is to some day use free enterprise to ‘pay it forward’ to society.”
And he feels his involvement in Fiji this summer likely will to be the first of many opportunities he’ll get to be a part of a cause that will improve society.
“By supporting me in this cause that I clearly feel so strongly about, [people] will not only be doing what is morally right—they will also be providing me with the resources I need to continue making a difference in the lives of others through social enterprise,” he reasoned.
Those interested in contributing to Petrin’s volunteer work in Fiji can contact him via e-mail at petrin_21@hotmail.com or by calling 274-5297.
