Former President Donates $10k to FNU Foundation
“I hope the financial support will grow, and it shall assist anyone who requires educational assistance.”
Friday 04 April 2025 | 01:07
Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere (fourth from left), and his wife, Filomena Katonivere (third from left), with Fiji National University executives at the Namaka FNU Campus. Photo: Mereleki Nai
In a new for Fiji, former President and Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has donated $10,000 as a seed to help educate Fijian youths.
He made the gesture while launching the Fiji National University (FNU) Foundation at the Namaka Campus in Nadi yesterday.
Ratu Wiliame was a Patron of the FNU Foundation, which was established to assist disadvantaged students and bridge the social-economic gap that exists in our society.
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Ratu Wiliame is proud to champion education and the advancement of Fijians in education
He said the FNU Foundation created opportunities, broke barriers and offered Fijians access to higher education and the ability to dream to build and ultimately to succeed.
“I shall be investing $10,000 as a seed for the foundation with the hope that it will encourage others to join me in investing as well,” he said.
“I hope the financial support will grow, and it shall assist anyone who requires educational assistance.”
He said FNU, as a leading institution, harnessed the power of philanthropy to transform lives, to empower individuals and to break the cycle of poverty.
Fiji National University
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said an investment in one student was an investment in a great Fijian leader innovator, educator or entrepreneur.
She paid tribute to Talei Soqe Quminakelo from the Public Affairs Section of the (United States (U.S) Embassy, who introduced the U.S Ambassador to FNU at the Natabua Campus.
“That introduction allowed FNU to visit CSN and observe best practices, particularly the impact CSN Foundation which provides scholarships and support services to undeserved students.
“Inspired by this model, I as the Vice-Chancellor committed to establishment a similar foundation in Fiji to help students facing financial hardships. This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring education accessibility for all FNU students regardless of economic barriers and showcases the power of international collaboration to drive lasting change.”
She acknowledged U.S Ambassador to Fiji, Marie Damour for her support and encouragement towards the establishment of the FNU Foundation.
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