The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, alongside the iTaukei Affairs Board, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Peace Corps aimed at enhancing support for iTaukei communities. This new agreement marks a shift in collaboration style, as it will necessitate Peace Corps volunteers to engage more directly with iTaukei Affairs officials within provincial offices.
Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs, Jone Vakamocea, highlighted that this partnership will prioritize education, sustainable livelihoods, development projects, and climate resilience efforts. “The Peace Corps volunteers are really embedded into rural villages in the communities and they help rural communities in economic empowerment,” Vakamocea stated, elaborating that the volunteers will identify income-generating opportunities and develop project proposals seeking funding from ministries or other financial sources.
Notably, this MOU solidifies a partnership that has already been playing a vital role on the ground, with ongoing collaborations enhancing the quality of life within these communities. Demand for Peace Corps volunteers in rural areas is reportedly increasing, prompting hopes for a growing number of volunteers in the years ahead.
This initiative is expected to bring about positive advancements in iTaukei communities, fostering economic development and resilience against climate change while promoting a stronger partnership between local authorities and international volunteers.
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