It is said that the crashing waves of the Pacific islands and the morning ocean breeze bring the peace and homely comfort of the islands to the farthest reaches of the world, but Vineel from Fiji was quicker than the ocean and brought the incredible tradition of Kava, a Fijian herbal drink, right to the dormitory of KDI School.

Walking past a communal room in the dorm, I was suddenly drawn to the voices of students, particularly Vineel, who was giving instructions on how to drink Kava properly. They warmly welcomed me to the table, and it turned out I was in the middle of a Kava session.  

Vineel Kumar is from Sigatoka, Nadroga Province in Fiji. He works as Senior Development Finance Analyst at the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics. Dozens of KDI School students and I witnessed beautiful storytelling about Kava, so here is what Vineel shares about it in his own words: 

“Kava, known locally as yaqona or grog in Fiji, is a traditional, non-alcoholic drink made from the ground root of the Piper methysticum plant. It is a cornerstone of Fijian culture, used in social gatherings, daily life, and formal sevusevu ceremonies to welcome guests.” 

Kava is how Fijians welcome strangers and turn them into kin; It is how they resolve conflict without raised voices, how they mark weddings, funerals, village meetings and quiet evenings after long days.

“In Fiji, drinking kava is not casual in the sense of “just having a drink” - it follows certain cultural etiquette, especially in traditional settings. Everyone sits respectfully in a circle around the tanoa (kava bowl), and it is important not to walk in front of it as a sign of respect.”

Vineel shares that very etiquette with our students: 

In search of our calling or in pursuit of greater knowledge, some find themselves far from home, somewhere on the Korean Peninsula, but few notice that, in addition to the enormous suitcases, we also carry pieces of our homes. Vineel did a great job of conveying the uniqueness of Fiji to the students of KDI School, and I was incredibly interested in learning more about his motivation: “I organized this kava session to bring together students from diverse backgrounds and create a space where we could share our stories, cultures, and experiences from our home countries. Since many of us are far away from home, I wanted to create a warm and welcoming environment where we could connect, feel a sense of belonging, and build a community like family.

In Fiji, a kava gathering is much more than just drinking kava. It is a deeply meaningful cultural tradition that represents unity, respect, and togetherness. When people sit around the tanoa (kava bowl), everyone is equal. It becomes a safe space for open dialogue, laughter, storytelling, and strengthening relationships.

By organizing this session in the dorm, I wanted to share this important part of Fijian culture - the spirit of Talanoa (open and heartfelt conversation), inclusiveness, and communal bonding. It is about slowing down, listening to one another, and appreciating the diversity that each person brings. Ultimately, this kava session was not just about introducing a cultural experience from Fiji, but about creating a sense of home away from home - where we can enjoy each other’s company, celebrate our differences, and build meaningful friendships together.”

Vineel hopes, that after experiencing Kava, people understand that Fiji is much more than just beautiful beaches and tourism. I seized the opportunity to challenge Vineel and asked him to describe Fiji in three words. For him, Fiji is about Bula smile, hospitality, and culture. 

One might agree that there is nothing better than watching people from other cultures enjoy yours. The kava session held in the dormitory also clearly demonstrates that at this school, incentives and motivation are everywhere. For example, you never know what is around the corner - rolling out Roti or Chapati, dancing, or a pottery workshop. In short, what this school cannot deny is its diversity. A couple of hectares, but so much intellectual value... Oh, wow, it is almost 5 o'clock! Shall we gather for tea, British-style?