Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

2012 - Viwa Island District School - Naimbalebale Village - Part 01 Donate A Book to the school children of Viwa Island Fiji - 2012

Photo of the Head Teacher (right), my husband (left) and our son (middle) standing in their library room.

The Head Teacher (right), my husband (left) and our son (middle).

Hi,
If you haven't yet read the information about our FIRST PROJECT helping school children of Viwa Island, have a look at the photos and enjoy.
Viwa Island will always hold a special place in our hearts, it was a genuine honour to help the remote island school and the fijian people.
We are accepting donations for the SECOND PROJECT whereby we will be helping several other needy fijian schools.
Please let me know if you are interested in CONTRIBUTING ONE BOOK towards our next stage that has begun and will be completed in March 2013.
Thank you to everyone for your positive encouragement, goodwill and sincere spirit of generosity towards making a difference in the lives of the fijian school children who absolutely love books.
You will be able to see the enormous smiles on the children's and teachers faces.
Yes, there smiles say it all.
All the best,
Shelly
PS.... If anyone would like to contribute ONE BOOK or more, we will gratefully accept your gift.
If you have any questions or require more information please do not hesitate to contact me anytime via my mobile
0405 326 080
Yes we do accept your donated books from OVERSEAS OR FROM ALL AROUND AUSTRALIA.
Our first project received books as far as the USA, UK and even Malta.
Please keep the good news coming and my email address is
[email protected]
Thank you!!!

08 August, 2012

Thank you to all the friends of Viwa Island District School, Fiji and those who kindly took the time to add a recommendation on LinkedIn. :)

RECOMMENDATIONS Received (22)Given (12)
1ST PROJECT - DONATE A BOOK TO THE SCHOOL CHILDREN OF VIWA ISLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL, FIJI
Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Charlotte Calder
Children's Author and SEO Copywriter at Freelance
Amazingly and magnificently Michele has provided the just about bookless children of Viwa Island with an entire library! Her tireless efforts in obtaining donations from authors and other interested people, obtaining sponsors and organising and coordinating the whole affair are an absolute inspiration. Congrats Michele!
October 31, 2012, Charlotte was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Sheri Fink
Best-Selling Children's Author of The Little Rose & The Little Gnome
Michele Darmanin is a considerate woman with a big heart. She pioneered a program to get books from all over the world donated to the schools on the remote Viwa Island in Fiji. Thanks to her efforts, hundreds of books were donated, gathered, packaged, and delivered to the delighted school children. I'm honored to have been a part of her program and to see her beautiful...more
October 4, 2012, Sheri was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Nancy Early
--Small Business Owner and Children's Book Author
Michelle Darmanin successfully completed "Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji" They collected an enormous amount of books from many countries and delivered them personally to the school in August, 2012. The pictures tell the story of how happy those children were! Congratulations for a wonderful job well done!
October 1, 2012, Nancy was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Millie Hull
Author at Forward Light Publications
Michele Darmanin worked very hard to get book donations for the Viwa Island District School Project. She recruited many donations from authors like myself. She is a real go-getter. Her compassion for children who needed book was contageous, and I personally saw the results on Facebook. People were greatly moved to help her with the Viwa Island Project. Having seen her...more
September 28, 2012, Millie worked directly with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Jeni Mawter
Tutor 'Writing for Emerging Readers' MA program 2012 at Macquarie University
Michelle is a hard working visionary who has worked to improve literacy in Fiji.
September 27, 2012, Jeni worked with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Karen Tyrrell
Author "ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness" > RECOVERY > Free eBook *Top 30 Tools for Wellness*
Michelle successfully completed the Viwa Island District School - Project encouraging authors and the Australian community to "Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji."
September 26, 2012, Karen worked directly with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Nicole Benoit-Roy
Author of Jesus Loves Everybody: Especially Me
Michele' s dedication to the Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji deserves admiration. She is responsible and show consideration to her donors in providing updated information on donated materials.

Congratulations Michele! Supporting this project was a privilege. I will continue to support this much needed project.
September 26, 2012, Nicole was a consultant or contractor to Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Wendy Orr
AUTHOR at Wendy Orr
I was very impressed with the amazing project Michele carried out with getting books to the school children of Viwa Island, Fiji.
September 26, 2012, Wendy was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Lannah Sawers-Diggins
Author/Editor/Proofreader/Journalist/Compiler/Photographer
Michele appears to be one of the most driven and passionate people that I have had the pleasure to 'meet'. Absolutely dedicated to her craft and will not 'let go' until she has reached and passed her goals. Well done, Michele.
September 25, 2012, Lannah was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Kaye Baillie
Children's Writer
Michele is an extraordinary person who has successfully created an outstanding project to further the education of children in Fiji.
September 25, 2012, Kaye worked with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Aine Dowling
Editor, Writer, and Blogger at Lost four Words
Michelle is dedicated and passionate about the Viwa Island Project. She works tirelessly to provide educational resources for the school children of the island, and personally manages the project from start to finish. Well Done!
September 25, 2012, Aine was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Rita Antoinette Borg
children's author journalist, storyteller
Michele has taken 25 boxes of books that were donated and gathered from all across the world for the Viwa Island District School. She worked hard and persistent so that children may be able to learn how to read. Reading is a very important gift.
September 25, 2012, Rita Antoinette was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Virginia Lowe
Owner, Create a Kids' Book
Michele worked very hard to help people provide books for the little island in Fiji. I assisted her by putting a notification in my monthly Bulletin on children's literature. She has fulfilled her duty to these children, who now have good libraries.
September 25, 2012, Virginia was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Robin Adolphs
Children's Author
Michele co-ordinated, organised and managed the Donate a Book to the School Children of Viwa Island. This involved interacting with the people of Viwa, seeking donations of books from authors in Australia, using technology to best advance her project and arranging transportation for the thousands of books she collected. Michele acknowledged all persons who donated books...more
September 25, 2012, Robin worked with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Nicky Johnston
Author, Illustrator,Speaker & Educator
Michele is embarking on a fantastic initiative which I support. I have donated copies of my children's books which will be donated to the school children of VIWA ISLAND, FIJI...I believe ALL children should have access to children's books!

Well done Michele, happy to support a terrific project.
April 2, 2012, Nicky was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Jeni Mawter
Tutor 'Writing for Emerging Readers' MA program 2012 at Macquarie University
Michele has a vision and dedication to her project Donate a Book to Fiji Students that is admirable.
April 1, 2012, Jeni was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Terry Spring
Independent Writing and Editing Professional
A school library with no books is a terrible place so when Michele asked me to donate a book to the Viwa Island's school, how could I say no? I hope someone there learns about Australian history from my novel. This is a terrific project and everyone should get behind it. Thank you Michele.
April 1, 2012, Terry was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Pat Simmons
Coordinator at Gymea Bay Care & Leisure Centre
I read about Michele's project in Jackie Hosking's weekly e-newsletter for writers, 'Pass it On'. As a writer, child care educator and lover of children's books, I had collected many many children's books over the years and it was time to pass them on to children who needed them. Michele's project is wonderful and demonstrates how one person can really make a difference. I...more
March 31, 2012, Pat was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Mary Ellen Ryall
Author: My Name is Butterfly; Co-owner Butterfly Woman Publishing
I can highly recommend Michele Darmanin as a organized professional. She spearheaded a project to start a school library and to motivate authors to get involved. She asked authors of a writers group on Linkedin to consider giving a new book to the school library project on Viwa Island, Fiji.

Michele has vision and has already send two boxes of used children's books to...more
March 14, 2012, Mary Ellen worked directly with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheledarmanin2012

Dee Dodgson
Author & bear maker at Sherfordbear Publishing
The work Michele is undertaking is exciting. She has put a lot of energy into it and spends much of her time seeing this project through.
She appears very dedicated to the cause and obviously is someone of true character, working to improve the lives of those less fortunate.
March 13, 2012, Dee was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Magdalena Ball
Knowledge Specialist
Michele's project to set up a library for the school children of Viwa Island, Fiji is generous and wonderful. Michele has gone out of her way and spent much of her time to procure books for these children and as a promoter of literacy (parent and all round book lover too) I'm pleased and proud to have been able to help a little bit in her efforts and urge others to join in...more
March 12, 2012, Magdalena was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Robyn Opie Parnell
Children's Book Writer
Michele is doing a wonderful job helping the school children at Viwa Island District School of Viwa Island, Fiji. Michele is making the world a better place and I'm thrilled to endorse her.
March 12, 2012, Robyn was with another company when working with Michele at Viwa Island District School - Project - Donate A Book to the School Children of Viwa Island, Fiji.

Michele Darmanin - Australia | LinkedIn View Michele Darmanin's (Australia) professional profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the world's largest business network, helping professionals like Michele Darmanin discover inside connections to recommended job candidates, industry experts, and business partners.

Dear Friends,

OUR TRUE GOOD NEWS STORY FROM SYDNEY TO FIJI.

On 8 August my husband, our son and myself headed off at 5.15am from our home with a hired van to unload the 25 boxes of donated books and educational materials at the Sydney International Airport.

We had to use several airport trolleys to deliver the boxes of donations to check-in with Virgin Australia.

Our next step was to have all boxes individually weighed with identification placed on them before being transported to a large cargo trolley.

The airport security staff delivered the trolley of boxes to the relevant loading area in time for our flight to Nadi International Airport, Fiji.

When we arrived in Nadi 3.5 hours later, it was raining quiet heavy and we were concerned about the cardboard boxes being damaged.

We noticed in the distance a cargo vehicle transporting all the boxes in the rain to the baggage collection area of Nadi Airport.

To our surprise we manage to collect all the boxes from the baggage area that were waiting in one large pile.

There was only a few boxes that had been damaged with large holes in the side as some were quite wet from being transferred in the rain.

Our next challenge was to organise several trolley loads with the boxes to go through x-ray and then onto the Custom's area for inspection.

After about 45 minutes we were given permission to leave Customs and managed to make a quick repair to several of the boxes that were damaged.

Once we made our way through the doorways, we gratefully accept the help of an airport security guard to organise 3 taxi driver's to help transport the boxes to the Sofitel on Denarua Island.

On 10 August we had previously organised for a cab driver to make 3 trips to Denarau Marina with all the boxes of donations in pleny of time for our journey on the Yasawa Flyer going to Waya Island.

The Awesome Adventures crew loaded the boxes onto the catamaran for our journey to Octopus Resort.

My husband and I were greatly relieved to be finally on our way via the Yasawa flyer.

The journey was going to be approximately 2.5 hours which gave us plenty of time to relax and take photos along the way whilst the catamaran dropped off & picked up passenger from the several resort along the way.

The crew of the Yasawa Flyer and the staff at Octopus Resort were amazing with transferring all the boxes to a smaller boat that took everything to the beach at Octopus Resort ready for the next part of the trip to Viwa Island.

We were really pleased to be on our way with the final part of the journey to Viwa Island with the 25 boxes (370 kgs) of donated books and educational

materials for the school children of Viwa Island.The Octopus staff transferred all the boxes and luggage onto their small boat then delivered everything to the Viwa Island boat.

AND ........ YES........ WE DID IT ....... WE SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED THE DONATED BOOKS AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AS PROMISED!

Over 25 boxes of donations being flown courtesy of Virgin Australia...... thank you Virgin Australia for your generosity. — at Sydney International Airport.

Located in Naimbalebale Village. Celebration with singing and dancing by the children.

Some of the books donated for the school children of Viwa Island Fiji

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know what is happening with our project so far.

Firstly, I would like to say thank you to everyone for your encouraging messages of support by email and phone.

Great news the book donations have started to arrive.

Thank you to everyone who has sent their donation so quickly.

Some people have donated good quality second-hand books, this is wonderful as all will go towards creating a new library for the school children of Viwa Island in Fiji.

I will share some more good news stories with you as they develop.

If you have any questions, please send me an email at
[email protected]

I look forward to receiving your donation on behalf of the school children of Viwa Island.

Kind regards
Michele