After a week filled with exciting activities and commitment to charitable initiatives, Vani Dianilawe Tobakarakarawa, a 20-year-old from Waciwaci, Lakeba in Lau, was crowned the new queen of the Vodafone Sugar Festival 2024. The University of Fiji law student, who has family ties to Yalobi in Waya, Yasawa, expressed her emotions about the achievement on Saturday night.
“Words cannot capture how thankful I am,” Vani stated. “The road to this point has been challenging, but I have been fortunate to have the support and guidance of many wonderful people, alongside my fellow contestants.”
With the support of her sponsor, Travel Consultant and Tours, Vani plans to use her platform to promote the involvement of religious organizations in combating the issue of illicit drugs. She noted, “Churches have begun to step outside their traditional roles to welcome and support affected youths, creating safe spaces and providing vital social assistance.”
The chief guest at the event, Vodafone’s Chief Financial Officer Farheen Saheb, emphasized the festival’s charitable focus. “Charity for those in need is not just a theme for this festival; it serves as a reminder of our collective duty to lend a hand to the less fortunate and strive for a more inclusive society,” Ms. Saheb remarked.