A two-day pilot governance and leadership training program is scheduled to take place for the established Community Councils of Kalekana and Manikoso on the 6th and 7th of this month. This initiative is funded by the Office of the Prime Minister and conducted by the Rewa District Council of Social Services (DCOSS).
The launch event in Suva featured Assistant Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna, who underscored the significance of the gathering in tackling the challenges that Melanesian communities encounter in Fiji. Tubuna emphasized that programs like this one are vital for empowering individuals in informal settlements with key governance principles.
“We aim to equip people with the skills necessary to govern themselves. Development outcomes and economic growth are tied to our ability to unlock potential initiatives that align with government goals,” Tubuna remarked. He further stressed that a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by these communities must be a collective endeavor.
The DCOSS has outlined a strategic plan for 2023, and Tubuna expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts with the government to realize this plan. Vani Catanasiga, Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, highlighted that the primary goal of the project is to address the myriad challenges impacting Melanesian communities in Fiji.
“Our aim, as stakeholders, is to collaborate on addressing recommendations to improve governance, as we have identified a direct link between inadequate governance and the deficiencies in infrastructural development,” Catanasiga explained.
The forthcoming workshop will focus on various issues, including the provision of sanitation facilities, hygiene materials, and the need for psychosocial support, leadership, and governance training.
This initiative marks a positive step toward enhancing the governance capabilities of Melanesian communities in Fiji, potentially leading to improved development outcomes and a stronger foundation for community-driven progress. The collaborative nature of this program signifies hope for a more empowered and self-sufficient future for the participating councils.
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