Gov’t, Adventists Call For Agents Of Change
One of the main focuses of this project is to improve resilience and adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities and subsistence farmers to reduce food and nutrition insecurity. – Jovesa Vocea
Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea has called on the people of the Northern Division to work towards developing the islands economy as would be for the betterment of the Nation.
Mr Vocea made this call amongst the 120 participants at the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Fiji Pro-resilience Vakarau Wai project launch and the opening of the training of trainers on ‘grow your own food workshop’ at the Kshatriya Hall in Labasa yesterday.
Mr Vocea said the participants were to be agents of change.
He said the Government was working hard to develop the North and its economic development was progressing well.
“Investments are picking up especially in Labasa with the now new developing Damodar mall and that will create employment opportunities,” Mr Vocea said.
“One of the main focuses of the Government is to improve the livelihood of people in the rural sector with our mandate to ensure that communities in the Northern Division share equal opportunities, resources are utilised wisely and people participate equally in development within the division.”
Mr Vocea acknowledged Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) for the two new projects implemented which are; the Fiji pro-resilience project in Macuata and accountability and monitoring in Cakaudrove.
“One of the main focuses of this project is to improve resilience and adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities and subsistence farmers to reduce food and nutrition insecurity in both the North and Western provinces of Fiji.”
ADRA Fiji country director Iliapi Tuwai said the Fiji pro-resilience Vakarau Wai project focused on alleviating food security during drought in terms of sustainable home gardens for local men and women farmers in the Macuata and Ba provinces.
“The most recent survey results in these provinces showed the need to capacitate its people to address this very need, since our people are vulnerable to dry weather conditions every year,” Mr Tuwai said.
“As some parts of the country are preparing for drought, this workshop and project will be very helpful.”
Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere encouraged the participants to take ownership of their resources and look after it well.
The participants were from various Government departments, heads of church organisations, private sectors and stakeholders.
The project is funded by the European Union in collaboration with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Germany and implemented by ADRA Fiji.
Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The two days training is coordinated by the National Food and Nutrition Centre (NFNC) and covers all areas of nutrition.
Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu
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