In a significant commitment to support disadvantaged students, Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere has made a generous pledge of $10,000 to the recently established Fiji National University (FNU) Foundation. This pledge was announced during the foundation’s launch held at the Namaka Campus in Nadi, where Ratu Wiliame served as the chief guest.
Highlighting the importance of participating in such a noble initiative, Ratu Wiliame expressed, “It would not sit well with me to launch such a commendable initiative as the FNU Foundation and not participate in this worthy cause myself.” His contribution is intended to serve as a catalyst, encouraging others to join him in investing in the education of underprivileged students, aiming to amplify the financial support available for those in need.
The FNU Foundation is designed to address educational inequality and provide vital resources, scholarships, and support services to students facing financial hardships. Ratu Wiliame emphasized the cultural significance of community support, likening it to the Pacific tradition of solesolevaki, which involves collective giving to ensure that no one is left behind. “Every child is nurtured holistically, and every village or community is protected and thrives,” he noted, reinforcing the proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.”
The foundation’s initiatives resonate with broader efforts to enhance educational opportunities for those in remote areas, as seen in similar previous initiatives aimed at supporting educational access throughout Fiji. These efforts include outreach programs dedicated to breaking down barriers to education and ensuring that all Fijian children have the chance to excel academically.
With Ratu Wiliame’s pledge and the foundation’s mission, the collective hope is to cultivate an environment where educational opportunities are available to all, fostering a brighter future for the youth of Fiji. This spirit of community engagement and support underscores the fundamental role of education in driving positive change and promoting equity within society.
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