A youth group in Rakiraki has taken the initiative to repair the home of 75-year-old Baswati, who lives alone and was struggling with the poor condition of her dwelling. The One Nation Our People (ONOP) group stepped in to assist her ahead of Ramadan, embodying their mission to serve humanity. Founder Abdul Zorhab emphasized that no elder should suffer under inadequate living conditions, lamenting that Ms. Baswati was living in a house overrun with shrubs and without a reliable water supply.
The group, which included members from both Suva and Lautoka, has made significant progress during their visits by clearing her home and bringing in essential materials. They have some supplies like roofing iron and wood but still require cement and fine sand to complete the repairs. Zorhab acknowledged that logistics have posed challenges, making transport to Rakiraki costly, and called upon the community and generous individuals to contribute whatever they could to aid in this noble effort.
“Every contribution matters, whether you can provide materials, labor, or donations. Together, we can build hope and restore dignity to those in need,” Zorhab added, urging the community to join this movement of compassion.
This initiative to support the elderly draws parallels to other local efforts highlighted in recent articles, where volunteers have also stepped up to assist seniors facing similar challenges, particularly in impoverished areas like Nasinu. For instance, community health worker Margaret Bennion has dedicated herself to helping bedridden seniors who rely on meager government support, indicating a broader trend of community involvement in caring for vulnerable populations.
In light of these collective actions, there’s a positive outlook emerging for the elderly, as community resources are mobilized to address pressing needs, fostering connections and uplifting spirits among the senior citizens across various regions. This communal solidarity showcases the resilience and heart of the Fijian people, illustrating that together, they can make a meaningful difference.

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