Passion for charity
SHEILA Nandan was a retired nursing sister known for empowering community service in Fiji.
When she was due to migrate to Australia, she was acknowledged by many charity organisations and farewelled by the Lioness Club, St John Ambulance Brigade and Stri Sewa Sabha.
The Fiji Times published a feature article on September 4, 1986, highlighting the work she had done, stressing she was involved in charity work for more than 30 years.
Her move to Australia was because a large number of her family lived there.
“I am going away with precious memories of the work I have done with other women, the help I have received and the lessons I’ve learnt,” she said.
“Attending conferences abroad has enabled me to meet great women from many parts of the world.
“This has enriched my life, giving me a meaningful experience in promoting better understanding and friendship among all the nations of the world.”
Sheila was born in Labasa, the Northern part of Fiji and was drawn to participating in community level activities by her public-spirited parents.
Her father was a graduate of Lahore University, Punjab, and involved himself in civil services matters and activities.
Her mother was also born in Labasa.
“In those days my mother discouraged Indian men from drinking alcohol because they were on a very low salary.
“She encouraged parents to save every penny to educate their children.”
Mrs Nandan was a former student of Jasper Williams in Lautoka and at the time was recognised as being one of the first Indian students to travel to New Zealand for nursing training.
She explained that in 1943, the director of nursing from New Zealand had travelled to Fiji to recruit some females for training there.
That year she went on an 18-month obstetrics course at Wellington.
After passing the examination she attended Tauranga General
Hospital in 1945 for a three-year period in general training.
“For experience before coming home, I was on the staff at Middlemore and Old National Women’s Hospital and was promoted to first year sister in 1949.”
After completing a mid-wifery examination at Saint Helen’s Hospital in Ivercargill, South Island, Sheila then returned to the country in 1951.
She joined the Fiji Medical Department in Lautoka before being transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, assisting and working in most of the areas and sections in many posts including assistant matron.
The article recognised her involvement in being a founding member of the Fiji Registered Nurses Association which then partnered with the Viti Registered Nurses.
Sheila then partnered with the Saint John Ambulance Brigade where her interest grew and developed over time.
After becoming a qualified home nursing officer, she delivered lectures to the Red Cross with the brigade members while visiting schools to carry out exams.
At the time, she also assisted with fundraising.
She was awarded the award of Serving Sister of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, stated the article.
Some of the organisations she involved herself in included Stri Sewa Sabha, Poor Relief Society, YWCA, and National
Council of Women.
Mrs Nandan was passionate about her role as the chairwoman of the Board of Visitors at Tamavua Hospital.
She helped in raising funds for the maintenance of the hospital while also purchasing essentials and necessities for the patients.
She developed a keen interest in the areas of The Pan Pacific South East Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA) after joining as a board member following its revival after a 26year lapse.
Lolohea Waqairawai, who had been long active in the establishment of women’s clubs in villages, attended the eighth conference in Tokyo, Japan.
Ms Lolohea was recognised for representing Fiji and shared an excellent report at the conference which created wide interest for the PPSEAWA movement.
“Many women’s club became affiliated with PPSEAWA, and the outcome was the establishment of YWCA and NCW etc,” she said.
Mrs Nandan was one of the 22 members of the group who attended the ninth conference which took place in Australia in 1961.
As years went by, she thoroughly enjoyed hosting and entertaining women at her home when they visited from overseas.
Mrs Nandan also started her journey with the Lioness Club in Fiji back in 1981 and was the charter president for two years.
The article concluded by sharing a motto she followed or lived by which was, “coming together is beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.”
This has enriched my life giving me a meaningful experience in promoting better understanding and friendship among all the nations of the world.
– Sheila Nandan