In 1976, a remarkable initiative driven by resilience emerged in Mataqali Tavanaki, Ba, with the establishment of a new handicraft center in Nailaga Village, bringing income, pride, and hope to the local community. This inspiration was fostered by Mr. Joseva Nakautoga, a retired soldier who had served in Malaya during World War II.
After working for many years on a cane farm in Koronubu, Ba, Mr. Nakautoga faced health challenges that left him unable to engage in strenuous labor. Despite his own struggles, he learned about the financial difficulties faced by the Tavanaki clan as they sought to fund the electrification of their homes.
Motivated by the need for community support, Mr. Nakautoga conceived the idea for a handicraft center. With the assistance of Mr. Alusio Navosailagi, the assistant Roko Tui Ba, the center was built for just $500. When it opened its doors in August, it marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the region, attracting interest from both locals and visitors.
The center became a vibrant showcase of Fijian handicrafts, highlighting beautifully crafted items such as beads, lali drums, swords, masi (tapa cloth), baskets, mats, and tablecloths. The creations were made by the youth of Nailaga Village and various women’s clubs from surrounding areas. To ensure proper pricing, Mr. Nakautoga personally priced each item, keeping 25 percent of each sale, while the remaining funds went directly to the clan’s electrification efforts.
Since its inception, the craft center managed to raise $800. Its impact was further amplified when a group of Alexians from Australia visited, purchasing $150 worth of crafts and generously donating an additional $52 to support the center.
At a time when the prospect of rural electrification was still a distant dream for many families in Fiji, the Nailaga craft center emerged as a beacon of hope and a testament to how even small ideas can lead to substantial change, inspiring collective effort and community upliftment.
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