After a week filled with exciting activities and a commitment to charitable initiatives, 20-year-old Vani Dianilawe Tobakarakarawa was crowned the new queen of the Vodafone Sugar Festival 2024.
Vani, a law student at the University of Fiji, hails from Waciwaci, Lakeba, in Lau, and has maternal ties to Yalobi, Waya, in Yasawa. On Saturday night, she reflected on her achievement, expressing her gratitude. “Words are not enough to express how grateful I am,” she stated. “The journey has not been easy, but many wonderful people have supported and guided me and my fellow contestants along the way to reach this stage.”
Sponsored by Travel Consultant and Tours, Vani utilized her platform to advocate for religious organizations to play an active role in combating illicit drug use. “Churches have stepped outside their traditional roles to welcome and nurture affected youths, providing a safe space and essential social support,” she explained.
The chief guest, Farheen Saheb, Chief Financial Officer of Vodafone, emphasized the festival’s charitable focus. “Charity for the needy is not just a theme for this festival; it reminds us of our shared responsibility to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate and to work towards a more inclusive society,” Ms. Saheb remarked.