Digicel Fiji is marking its 16th anniversary by distributing $16,000 as part of its Birthday Initiative Program. The funding has been allocated to three community projects, benefiting the Mokani Village Youth Club in Tailevu, the Karoko Village Youth Club in Vanualevu, and the Soqosoqo Vaka-Marama for Navosa-Nadroga in the West. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing village development.
This year, Digicel Fiji adopted a more structured approach compared to previous initiatives. Communities were required to submit proposals through an application process, which were then evaluated based on specific criteria. Earlier, the company donated over $50,000 to ten different communities, distributing $5,000 each. However, due to the increased costs associated with projects, Digicel opted to allocate a larger sum to fewer recipients this year.
Farid Mohammed, the CEO of Digicel Fiji, explained that the initiative was designed to ensure equitable support across the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Western Divisions of the country. The choice to give away $16,000 coincides with their 16th anniversary celebration.
Joeli Vueti, an advisor for the Mokani Youth Club, described the grant as an early Christmas gift for the community. The project aims to address essential needs, such as providing solar lights for children studying at night and ensuring women have adequate lighting when traveling to markets in the early morning hours.
To ensure accountability and effective use of the funds, Digicel Fiji plans to follow up with the three villages about how the grants are being utilized.
This positive initiative demonstrates Digicel Fiji’s commitment to community development and highlights how corporate social responsibility can significantly impact local communities.
In summary, Digicel Fiji’s thoughtful approach to its anniversary celebration showcases a dedication to fostering growth and improvement in Fiji’s communities, reflecting a positive and constructive relationship between business and society.
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