The Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) program has played a vital role in enhancing access to public services for Fijians in rural areas. During a recent meeting in Suva with members of the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, Permanent Secretary for Justice, Selina Kuruleca, highlighted the program’s collaborative framework involving multiple ministries designed to prevent any community from being overlooked.
Ms. Kuruleca explained that the REACH program directly brings essential services such as marriage, birth, and death registrations into communities. This initiative significantly reduces the travel burden and financial costs often faced by individuals living in remote areas. Between 2018 and 2022, the program successfully facilitated the registration of numerous critical life events through coordinated outreach efforts.
She also noted that outreach roadshows, which took place from 2017 to 2019, were interrupted by the COVID pandemic but resumed in 2022. However, due to these interruptions, the REACH program has not yet reached all intended areas of Fiji, underscoring the need to continue and complete the project to effectively serve unaccessed communities.
Looking ahead, Ms. Kuruleca emphasized the importance of future outreach efforts targeting the regions that remain underserved, ensuring that every Fijian citizen has the necessary access to public services, regardless of their location.
This initiative is a significant step towards fostering inclusive access to essential services, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all Fijians. The continuation of the REACH program is crucial for enabling full participation in civic life, empowering citizens, and enhancing social cohesion across the nation.
By focusing on the needs of unserved communities, the REACH program not only overcomes geographical barriers but also strengthens the fabric of society through greater engagement and accessibility for all.
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