The importance of bringing essential services closer to the people has been emphasised today at the opening of the Rights Empowerment and Cohesion for Rural and Urban Fijians (REACH) Stakeholders Outreach Program at the Napuka Secondary School Grounds in Tunuloa, Vanua Levu.
The three-day awareness event, which was opened by the Assistant Minister for Justice, Hon. Ratu Josaia Niudamu, is a significant poverty reduction initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection to improve access to services and information for residents in the various communities within the Tikina of Tunuloa, Natewa, and Cakaudrove.
“Today marks yet another significant step in our commitment to bring critical services closer to our people and to promote social cohesion, empowerment, and inclusiveness across Fiji. The Rights, Empowerment, and Cohesion for Rural and Urban Fijians (REACH) Programme is a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting peace-building, inclusiveness, and awareness of the social, economic, and legal rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji. Through the REACH Programme, we are able to strengthen institutional capacities to deliver essential services while fostering a culture of awareness and empowerment,” he said.
The REACH Programme has achieved remarkable milestones since its inception in 2015. Assistant Minister Niudamu stated that the program has conducted 59 missions across all Divisions in Fiji, benefiting 1,438 communities, 152 districts, and 14 provinces, including Rotuma.
“These missions have reached 78% of districts across the nation, reflecting our continued success in providing mobile awareness raising and service delivery to communities in need,” he added.
The REACH Stakeholders Outreach Program brings together 26 key stakeholders who are taking their services directly to the people. Participating organisations include:
Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development & National Disaster Management, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Fiji Police Force, Fiji Reserve Bank of Fiji, Land Transport Authority (LTA), Legal Aid Commission, National Provident Fund, University of the South Pacific.
The program exemplifies the government’s commitment to fostering inclusiveness and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and maritime communities. It serves as a platform for promoting awareness of constitutional rights, social cohesion, and empowerment.
The REACH Stakeholders Outreach Program will run from 22nd to 24th January at the Napuka Secondary School Grounds in Tunuloa.