Joseph Savea would have spent hundreds and even thousands of dollars to set up savings ac­counts for his children if he trav­elled to the mainland.

He lives on the island of Rotuma where he has worked as a high school teacher for the past 15 years.

But on Monday, he was able to open a Voluntary Account for Mi­nor Members for his three chil­dren with the Fiji National Provi­dent Fund on Monday.

Mr Savea hails from Islepi Vil­lage, Rotuma.

The service was brought right to his doorstep through the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation’s Rights, Empower­ment and Cohesion (REACH) pro­ject, funded by the United Nations Development Programme.

The project team has been on the island visiting the seven districts since last week.

“My wife and I have three chil­dren and we watch them grow eve­ry single day, all the while think­ing of their future,” he said.

“I’m so thankful to FNPF for be­ing here for my children’s account to be opened.

“FNPF provides security for my children. Their savings account will assist us with their fees.

Two of his children are currently in secondary school.

Mr Savea said he did not have any other savings account and it was time for him to further his prepa­ration for his children’s education and future.

He will be making deposits as soon as possible.

The FNPF Voluntary Account offers life-changing benefits like education, medical assistance, housing and others that will be­come available after a child turns 18 years old.

Mr Savea added it was important for parents to start saving for their children so that they could pursue their dreams without any prob­lems like financial difficulties.

“It is hard for us as Pacific people to save and I think this is one way to do so and that is through FNPF,” he said.

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