Ex-Rugby Stars Join Walk In Education For The Needy
Former national rugby stars Viliame Satala, Semisi Naevo and Filimone Delasau will be among 12 Fijian athletes to lead the inaugural children’s 416 kilometre walkathon around Viti Levu which started yesterday.
Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji (FENC Fiji) hopes to raise $100,000 to support the educational needs of 400 children from low income families.
National co-ordinator John Tuiono said that the walkathon will also cover visitations to two cities and nine towns.
This includes 37 villages along the Queens and Kings Roads to raise awareness on child abuse and health care.
The foundation will be also be holding consultations, a roadshow at Koroipita in Lautoka culminating with a saqamoli ($1) drive at Sukuna Park on August 26.
As of yesterday the walkathon participants would be spending ten days along the Queens Highway and will return to Suva on August 26.
Miss World Fiji 2017 and foundation Ambassador Nanise Rainima has confirmed her participation, said Communications Consultant Dwain Qalovaki
The walkathon is supported by the Global Fund and Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Walkers will be sleeping over at the Coral Coast Christian camp, Namada Village Hall, Yako Village , Koroipita, Tavua Village, Rakiraki Village, Wainibuka Primary School, Korovou and Nausori.
“All of these items are purchased from Fijian manufacturers and FENC Fiji is also audited by BDO Fiji. A portion will also set up a Learning Centre in Fiji’s most densely-populated area of Nasinu town,” Mr Tuiono said.
Since 2014, Government introduced free tuition for all children attending primary and secondary school.
The FENC Fiji programme aims to assist those families whose income is below the tax threshold and are registered in the Ministry of Social Welfare database.
The education assistance is also geared toward supporting children whose parent is incarcerated and or from a single parent family unit.
As a registered charitable organization in Fiji, donations by corporate organizations attract a tax rebate.
Source: Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji
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