Twelve community based organisations received funding from the European Union under the Grassroots Voices for Good Governance grant. Speaking at the handover, European Union ambassador to Fiji and Pacific Andrew Jacobs said EU has in total given a grant of $650,000 under the Grassroots Voices for Good Governance funding to FRIEND’s Fiji.

“We are glad we could provide financial support to this organisation，” Mr Jacobs said.

“This program has definitely helped people at the grassroots level in terms of governance and this is an excellent example we can work effectively with in our community.”

A total of $120,000 was distributed to the 12 community based organisations.

FRIEND’s Fiji director and founder Sashi Kiran said the Grassroots Voices for Good Governance was started in 2016 and will end next year.

“EU had a lot of faith in us and we have shared a very good human relationship and not just the money relationship,” Ms Kiran said.

“This funding has helped people mainly from farming backgrounds and they are learning how to manage funds with the help from USP Lautoka, who are helping them with the training,” she added.

A total of 32 community based organisations have benefitted from this funding and approximately 10 more organisations will benefit by June, 2018.

FRIEND’s Fiji also celebrated 15 years of existence yesterday.

Edited by Mohammed Ali

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