Digicel Fiji recently marked its 16th year of operation by distributing $16,000 to support three community projects as part of its 16th Birthday Initiative Program. The recipients include the Mokani Village Youth Club in Tailevu, the Karoko Village Youth Club in Vanualevu, and the Soqosoqo Vaka-Marama for Navosa-Nadroga. This funding will aid in various developmental needs within these communities.
This year, Digicel Fiji implemented a new approach to its grant distribution. Communities were required to apply and present proposals which were evaluated based on specified criteria. In contrast to previous years when a total of over $50,000 was distributed to 10 communities (with each receiving $5,000), Digicel opted to concentrate its resources more significantly due to the increasing costs associated with community projects.
Farid Mohammed, the CEO of Digicel Fiji, explained that the initiative’s structure was designed to provide equitable support to all regions throughout the country—Central Eastern, Northern, and Western divisions—ensuring an even distribution of resources. The $16,000 grant symbolizes the company’s 16 years of dedication to the communities it serves.
Joeli Vueti, an advisor to the Mokani Youth Club, remarked that this support comes as a timely gift for the village, particularly highlighting the need for solar lights that will enhance educational opportunities for children and improve safety for women traveling to markets in the early morning hours.
To ensure the effectiveness of this initiative, Digicel Fiji plans to follow up with the selected villages to monitor how the grants are utilized.
This initiative not only showcases Digicel Fiji’s commitment to community development but also emphasizes the importance of supporting grassroots projects that can make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents. As communities grow and improve through such support, it reflects the positive partnership between corporations and local populations, fostering hope and empowerment.
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