Hosanna, 18, Fiji

Basic need(s):

Education, Environment, Food, Health, Safety, Shelter

Project:

Step-Up Literacy, TATUR - Teens Accessing Technology Using Responsibility, 2-Way Street

Coming from Fiji, a nation that has experienced four coups d'état in 20 years, Hosanna wants to do more than imagine peace. She wants to LIVE it, share it, spread and promote it. She helped found Step-Up Literacy Programs in the rural Fijian villages. Working with her parents to establish three rural libraries by collecting more than 5,000 books, Hosanna then helped teach other children to read using phonics. Today, there are more than 100 Step-Up volunteers throughout Fiji. Kids are helping kids, developing a culture of volunteerism. Hosanna also founded TATUR- Teens Accessing Technology Using Responsibility which is designed to encourage kids in developing nations to access technology safely. Hosanna also founded 2-Way-Street, a program that empowers and educates relocated and at-risk immigrant youth to embrace their new country and culture while maintaining their own positive traditions and identities. The youth volunteer with various community service organizations as a way to "break the ice" and in turn get connected to mentors, ESL tutors, and cultural coaches while adapting to their new homes. The premise of 2-Way-Street is that when established communities, many of whom hold prejudices toward outsiders, witness these newcomers giving back and engaging positively in society, they are more likely to open their arms, hearts and minds to them. The flip-side is that in return, the newcomers gain the respect and support of their new community, often finding mentors and friends. Life is a two way street and Hosanna believes it takes all of us to do what we are all called to do.