Fiji National University (FNU) is actively addressing student food insecurity, a pressing issue highlighted by Vice Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba. She revealed that some students are attending classes without having breakfast, prompting the university to take decisive action to support those in need.
In collaboration with the food company Punjas, the university has initiated a program to provide food assistance, starting from its Namaka campus in Nadi. The initiative has gained momentum, with food cupboards being stocked at every campus for students who require sustenance.
Beyond addressing immediate food needs, FNU has broadened its support services. Businesses have stepped up, donating clothing to create a resource called the Veilomoni Closet. This initiative allows students to access professionally washed and packaged attire free of charge, enabling them to dress appropriately for job interviews and other professional engagements.
Additionally, FNU has opened its very first café in Namaka. The café employs a “coffee forward” system, permitting patrons to buy an extra cup of coffee for someone who cannot afford it, which also helps foster community support while alleviating stigma around receiving assistance.
These initiatives are part of FNU’s broader commitment to ensuring students are equipped not just academically but also emotionally and practically, serving as an extension of their existing efforts through the recently established FNU Foundation. This foundation aims to tackle educational barriers and support disadvantaged students, reinforcing FNU’s dedication to enhancing educational equity in Fiji.
The combined efforts signify a hopeful and progressive step towards ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their educational journeys, demonstrating a compassionate and proactive approach to community welfare.
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