Digicel Fiji is marking its 16th anniversary by disbursing $16,000 to three community projects as part of its 16th Birthday Initiative Program. The recipients include the Mokani Village Youth Club from Tailevu, the Karoko Village Youth Club from Vanualevu, and the Soqosoqo Vaka-Marama for Navosa-Nadroga in the Western Division.
This year, Digicel Fiji adopted a new approach to select the beneficiaries. Communities were required to submit application proposals, which were evaluated according to specific criteria. In previous years, the company allocated over $50,000 to ten communities, each receiving $5,000; however, due to rising project costs, they opted to concentrate funds into fewer but larger grants this time.
Digicel Fiji’s CEO, Farid Mohammed, explained that the initiative is designed to ensure equitable support across all divisions of the country, distributing the funds across the Central Eastern, Northern, and Western divisions. This year’s contribution of $16,000 was also emblematic of their 16th anniversary celebration.
The advisor for the Mokani Youth Club, Joeli Vueti, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as an early Christmas gift for the community. He highlighted that the project will provide solar lights, enhancing study conditions for children during evenings and ensuring safer travel for women heading to markets at dawn.
To ensure accountability and effectiveness, Digicel Fiji plans to follow up with the villages regarding the application of the funds.
This initiative is a heartening example of corporate social responsibility, demonstrating how businesses can play a vital role in community development. As these projects roll out, they have the potential to positively impact the lives of many residents and foster a spirit of collaboration within the communities.
In summary, Digicel Fiji’s initiative not only celebrates its anniversary but also showcases a commitment to uplifting local communities through targeted support and engagement.
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