How Bale Spearheaded New Website

Tailasa Bale is a young law student at The University of the South Pacific in Fiji, with a passion for baking and poetry.

The 20-year-old volunteers at the non-profit organisation, CLCT Integrity Fiji (CLCT IF).

Combining his interests in law, social change, and technology, he spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive website for CLCT IF, when he learned he could build one without code.

“I ended up actually volunteering to make the website and I don’t regret it. It was a great learning foundation,” Mr Bale said.

CLCT/Integrity Fiji

CLCT IF was established in 2018 with a vision of a Fiji freed from corruption through strong integrity systems. CLCT IF promotes anti-corruption and good governance initiatives.

They work with Transparency International (TI) chapters, state ministries, higher education institutions, multilateral agencies and civil society to advocate anti-corruption.

CLCT IF engages in research, workshops, training, advocacy and activities that promote anti-corruption Initiatives to uphold and promote the key values of integrity and anti-corruption in our activities.

With limited resources during its inception, the organisation operated as an e-office, utilising social media platforms and a blog site to publish research-based articles on anti-corruption measures.

Lightbulb moment

Tailasa Bale’s journey into website development began as a curious endeavour.

Intrigued by a flyer promoting a lunch and learn session with Solomone Rabuli, the founder of Selfless Fiji, Mr Bale seized the opportunity to delve into the digitisation process behind organisations.

The session, led by Shenal Harakh, shed light on how she used Softr and Airtable to digitise the volunteering experience of more than 1000 people, without extensive coding.

“After learning about the potential of these technologies and seeing Shenal’s guidance, I wanted to explore it further. One thing led to another, and I volunteered to create CLCT’s website,” Mr Bale said.

The significance of CLCT’s digital leap

The website’s significance lies in its potential to enhance advocacy, awareness, and outreach for CLCT IF.

Mr Bale emphasised the importance of a permanent online presence, allowing people to connect with and understand the organisation’s endeavours in advocating for anti-corruption measures in Fiji.

“I am very thankful to Shenal Harakh and Tailasa Bale (CLCT IF Volunteer) for creating a website for the organisation,” said CLCT IF executive director Dr Joseph Veramu.

“It’s fantastic and it helps with the problem of our NGO not having a permanent online address.”

[gallery size="full" ids="599375,599376,599377"]

Building without code: A learning journey

Despite having no prior experience, Mr Bale found the website-building process enjoyable and enlightening. Utilising Softr as the website builder and Airtable as the data source, he discovered the creative freedom and simplicity these platforms offered in constructing sections without intricate coding.

“The ability to express ideas creatively using these platforms is remarkable. Plus, both Softr and Airtable offer free plans, making it accessible for anyone interested in learning,” Mr Bale said.

The future of CLCT’s digital front

Looking ahead, Mr Bale aims to incorporate automation features for emails and updates on the website.

He aspires to integrate options for workshop sign-ups, enhancing CLCT’s outreach and empowering individuals in the community to engage in educational programmes.

Tips for aspiring learners

When asked about advice for individuals seeking to acquire new skills like website building, Mr Bale emphasised the importance of an open mind, problem-solving mindset, and having the confidence to seek help from experts.

Notes from the author

Alongside being a law student and avid volunteer, Mr Bale is an award-winning poet having won the United Kingdom Thalassaemia Society 2022 Art Competition.

Mr Bale’s eye and feel for user experience, creativity, and design just leap off the page.

It is a testament to his ability to combine creative and analytical skills.

This is the first website he has ever built, and it is simply stunning.

Mr Bale’s story is a perfect example of what happens when our young creatives are given a digital canvas.

By: Shenal Harakh

• Shenal Harakh is the founder of her eponymous software development agency Shenal (www.shenal.online), which builds tech products for startup clients around the world.She is currently based in Fiji and is running workshops to digitally upskill communities. Head to https://fiji.shenal.online/ to sign up and keep up to date with new workshops, or follow her work on Linkedin: Shenal Harakh or Twitter: @shenalyo.

Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj