The Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme through the funding from the Government of Japan is coordinating a two weeks Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion for Rural and Urban Fijians (REACH) programme, in Wainibuka from 21st of February to 4th March.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, visited the Namoka Village in Wainibuka yesterday where she spoke on the REACH project and the other services provided by the Government.
Minister Akbar said the Fijian Government is committed to improving service delivery for all Fijians through innovative service delivery methods. "The REACH platform is one of the Government’s innovative methods to improve service delivery for all Fijians, and it is through this platform as well that it delivers information and related services based on the social, economic and legal rights as enshrined in the Fijian Constitution.
"The purpose is to raise awareness of rights enshrined in the Fiji Constitution and deliver services provided by the Department of Social Welfare, Department of Women, Spinal Injury, Medical Services Pacific, Empower Pacific, Fijian Elections Office, Fiji Revenue and Customs, Birth, Death & Marriage, Project Heaven Trust, Ministry of I-Taukei, Fiji Police, Ministry of Health and Medical Service Water Authority and RFMF Engineers to the people affected by the recent flooding and cyclone (TC Cody)".
The minister said REACH has a bus which conceptualises the model of an "Office" and will help the Government boost its service delivery while connecting its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of reaching the farthest behind first.
Minister Akbar also encouraged Fijians from surrounding villages, communities and settlements to take advantage of the REACH service platform. During the two-week awareness, members of the public will be able to access services such as Registration of birth, birth certificates, social welfare services, counselling, medical checks, new voter registration and correction of voter information.
67 year-old Aisea Turagalailai, on behalf of Yavusa o Qelema, applauded the Ministry for such an inclusive initiative (REACH Program) that brought together government and non-government organizations and provided services to persons with disabilities, elderly residents, underprivileged families, and rural citizens.. Mr Turagalailai managed to get his eye checked with the PROJECT HEAVEN Team and was satisfied with the service provided.
Ms. Seruwaia Saulo, a 32 year old from Namoka Village commended the Department of Social Welfare Officer for assisting her in filling her Poverty Benefit Scheme form. "The cost of traveling to Korovou to receive government services is high, and this REACH Program has brought these services to our door.”
Asena Likutokalau, President of the Namoka Women's Group, thanked the Minister for visiting the women's group and discussing the need for economic empowerment programs while also providing an opportunity for women to learn about the Ministry's plans and programs for women's development.