The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North is proving to be more than a week of music and culture; it has become a lifeline for the Northern Division, funding projects that address real community needs. This year, Festival President Karunesh Kushal announced a major initiative: the establishment of a prosthetic limb center in Vanua Levu, a first for the region.
The planned prosthetic center follows a history of health and social programs funded by the festival, including the Northern Dialysis Center and ongoing youth and talent development, as well as public amenities that benefit Labasa and its residents. “We want to make something unique, and this would benefit the people of the North, and this is the main project from this year’s festival,” Kushal said.
Northern Commissioner Uraia Rainima, who officiated at the event, urged residents of Vanua Levu to take pride in contributing to such efforts, noting that development and investment in the division are expanding. Under the festival’s theme, “Our North, Our Future,” ten contestants in the Queens and Kings category are competing for this year’s festival crown. The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North is scheduled to conclude next Saturday at Subrail Park, Labasa.
Contextual note: the festival has a track record of raising significant funds for community projects. In previous years, the committee has aimed to raise substantial sums for sustainable initiatives, including over $280,000 for a sustainable agriculture program and a planned sustainable greenhouse at the Labasa Divisional Hospital to promote self-sufficiency in food needs and reduce hospital costs. Vodafone Fiji has repeatedly supported the festival, with Nilesh Singh, the head of recharge sales and distribution, praising the opportunities the festival provides contestants to represent their communities. Past and current projects have also included washroom facilities at Subrail Park Ground Two, estimated at around $18,000, to improve venue capacity for events, and donations of musical equipment to Nabala Secondary School.
The festival’s ongoing emphasis on health, education, and infrastructure demonstrates a broader impact beyond entertainment, underscoring the role of cultural events in regional development. With the prosthetic limb center as a flagship project, supporters see the festival as a catalyst for tangible improvements in people’s lives while continuing to celebrate Northern Fiji’s heritage and talent.
Additional notes and context:
– The festival typically features a mix of cultural showcase, community fundraising, and youth development, with stall fees and sponsorship playing a vital role in supporting local initiatives.
– The win-or-lose aspect of the pageantry complements the fundraising and project goals, giving participants a platform to advocate for their communities.
– If similar past initiatives are any indicator, the festival’s charitable efforts often lead to follow-up projects and expanded partnerships with sponsors and local authorities.
Summary: The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North is blending culture with concrete regional development, launching a prosthetic limb center in Vanua Levu as its flagship project this year, while continuing to fund health, education, and infrastructure initiatives that benefit Labasa and the wider Northern Division. The event remains a milestone for community engagement, sponsorship, and sustainable growth in the region.
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