The three-day Rights, Empowerment, and Cohesion for Rural and Urban Fijians Stakeholders Outreach Program has successfully concluded today at the Napuka Secondary School Grounds in Tunuloa, Vanua Levu. This initiative, officially opened by Assistant Justice Minister Ratu Josaia Niudamu, aimed to bring essential services closer to the communities within the Tikina of Tunuloa, Natewa, and Cakaudrove, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty.

Initiated in 2015, the REACH Program has conducted a total of 59 missions across the nation, reaching 1,438 communities and impacting 78% of districts within Fiji. The outreach featured participation from 26 stakeholders, including various government ministries, health services, legal aid organizations, and financial institutions. Their collaborative efforts were directed at providing vital services and promoting awareness of social, economic, and legal rights among community members.

The REACH Program is designed to empower rural and maritime communities, fostering social cohesion and inclusivity in the process. Its focus on enhancing access to public services is crucial, especially for individuals residing in remote areas where such services can often seem out of reach. Previous reports highlighted the program’s success in bringing essential services such as marriage, birth, and death registrations directly into communities, significantly alleviating the travel and financial burdens for residents.

This outreach initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Fijians have access to the necessary resources and support systems that contribute to their quality of life. Going forward, continued efforts are necessary to further engage communities that have yet to receive these vital services, thus underlining the importance of inclusive access for all Fijians.

In summary, the outreach program presents a hopeful vision for the future, where every community member can benefit from essential services and has the opportunity to enhance their social and economic standing.