In a celebration of their 16th anniversary, Digicel Fiji has awarded $16,000 to three community projects through their special Birthday Initiative Program. The beneficiaries include 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 funding aims to support vital development initiatives within each village.
This year, Digicel Fiji has adopted a new approach for distributing funds. Communities were required to submit proposals through an application process, which were then evaluated based on specific criteria. Previous initiatives had provided over $50,000 to 10 different communities, with each receiving $5,000. However, recognizing the rising costs associated with project implementation, Digicel decided to increase the funding this year.
Farid Mohammed, the CEO of Digicel Fiji, highlighted that the initiative aligns with their anniversary celebrations. The allocation of funds was strategically divided among three geographical regions—the Central Eastern, Northern, and Western Divisions—ensuring equitable support across the country. The decision to give away $16,000 was directly linked to the company’s 16th anniversary.
Joeli Vueti, the advisor of Mokani Youth Club, remarked that this initiative is akin to an early Christmas gift for the residents of Mokani. The project is expected to significantly impact the community, particularly by providing solar lights that will enable children to study at night and assist women traveling to the market in the early morning.
In an effort to promote accountability, Digicel Fiji plans to follow up with the three villages to monitor the effective use of the grants provided.
This initiative stands as a testament to the positive impact that corporate social responsibility programs can have on local communities, highlighting the importance of sustainable development and community engagement.
In summary, Digicel Fiji’s Birthday Initiative not only demonstrates a commitment to community enhancement but also fosters a collaborative spirit among diverse regions, offering hope for a brighter future through shared resources and initiatives.
Leave a comment