Govt appreciates work done in reducing poverty in Fiji

30/06/2011

Government has gained a better understanding and appreciation of the work conducted by non-government organisations and faith-based groups in their efforts to alleviate poverty.

A half-day workshop was organised by the Poverty Eradication Unit (under the Prime Minister’s Office) for NGOs who were actively engaged in the communities by helping the poor and the needy.

In concluding the workshop in Suva yesterday (29/6/11), unit director Dr Tokasa Leweni said it was clear that a partnership between Government and NGO had been forged.

“Everybody is doing their part – Government is providing funding for poverty alleviation programs, while the NGOs are also doing their part in contributing to the alleviation of poverty,” Dr Leweni said.

She said while the unit only focused on government programs, participants had agreed to have a forum where Government and NGOs would be able to share information on the work they were doing and how they could further complement each other to address poverty.

Dr Leweni said it was clear from the workshop there was indeed a paradox of ‘poverty in the midst of plenty’.

“We are rich in resources. We have land and we are rich in marine resources as well but these are not equating well with the status of poverty in the country,” she said.

The Prime Minister’s Office acting permanent secretary Mr Nemani Mati said the workshop was an opportunity to discuss with NGOs on how their respective organisations were contributing towards poverty alleviation in Fiji through their empowerment programs.

He said it was also a chance to establish a network and partnership.

“We are also here to establish network and partnership through enhancing our knowledge on the services that you provide accompanied by what Government’s aspirations are regarding poverty as stipulated in the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development (RDSSED) and the People’s Charter for Change, Peace & Prosperity,” Mr Mati said.

“The four objectives of the workshop are to: Strengthen partnership between government agencies, civil societies and non-government organisations; foster understanding and partnership among pro-poor service providers; create awareness and sharing of information on poverty reduction strategies and create a platform of poverty dialogue and consultation with stakeholders.

Participants from the Good Neighbour International, People’s Community Network, Poor Relief Society, Catholic Women’s League, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist Church, National Centre for Small and Micro Enterprises Development and Foundation for the Education of Needy Children (FENC) Fiji attended the half-day workshop.

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