Allied health students work hand-in-hand with Fiji school
By Greg Chapman
CQUniversity occupational therapy and speech pathology students put their skills and knowledge into meaningful practice during a recent four-week clinical placement in Fiji.
Seven students visited the Nasavusavu School of Special Education as part of a New Colombo Plan placement, conducting therapy sessions with students and teachers, while gaining new experiences and connections.
Speech Pathology student Jorja Bella said the placement – the first allied health clinic visit by CQU students – was a memorable one.
“My OT partner and I spent every day providing therapy with a student out in the Fijian sun on the school playground and it was here we were able to make meaningful therapeutic gains that served both the student and the school,” she said.
“Watching a child flourish in their natural environment was significantly rewarding and something I will never forget.
“This placement served me in various ways as an upcoming speech pathologist. I was able to learn how to work in under-resourced areas, collaborate with culturally and linguistically diverse people and tailor my clinical services to create therapy that was functionally and culturally appropriate.
“Not only will I carry these skills and experiences with me as a clinician in Australia but I also hope to one day be able to return to serve this community once again.”
Speech Pathology Senior Lecturer Dr Clancy Conlon said Jorja and the other students worked closely with children, adolescents, families, and educators across a range of settings.
“During the placement, students delivered individual one‑to‑one therapy sessions and facilitated small group therapy to support communication, participation, and learning. They also provided whole‑class supports in collaboration with classroom teachers, adapting strategies to align with existing teaching practices and the cultural context of the school,” Dr Conlon said.
“In addition, students ran workshops for parents focused on supporting handwriting development at home, and delivered professional learning sessions for teachers on handwriting, language, literacy, and behaviour support in the classroom.
The students also gained valuable experience during social activities in the local community.
Dr Conlon said the local Fijian community benefitted from access to Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy services, which are extremely limited due to the absence of local training programs for these professions.
“Through their work at Nasavsavu School of Special Education, students were able to support children with additional learning and communication needs and work alongside teachers and families to strengthen inclusive practices within the school,” she added.
“By delivering therapy sessions, classroom supports, and targeted workshops, students contributed practical strategies that could be integrated into everyday teaching and home routines, helping to build local capacity beyond the duration of the placement.”
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