Government grants boost multi-ethnic community initiatives

Two Labasa Hindu organisations have benefited from Government‑backed multi‑ethnic grants aimed at supporting community needs.

The Wailevu Arya Samaj and its women’s arm, the Wailevu Arya Mahila Mandal, received funding to purchase folding chairs, corrugated iron sheets, and poles.

The resources will be made available to residents hosting community events free of charge.

Samaj president Vineshwar Prakash expressed gratitude for the support, saying the initiative would help build social cohesion and ensure the resources are well cared for.

Mr Prakash said the initiative would assist residents hosting functions and strengthen community ties.

“There are many community functions organised, and this gesture of providing folding chairs will help bring people together,” he said.

He added that users of the chairs would be encouraged to take responsibility for maintaining the resource, which the group had needed for many years.

The Samaj has been active for over 40 years, while the Mahila Mandal has served the community for the past three decades.

The women’s group also received a $2,000 grant to purchase corrugated iron sheets and poles, which will be used to support community members hosting events.

“We acknowledge the minister for this great support and recognition of our needs,” Mr Prakash said.

Mahila Mandal president Nirmala Devi said the Coalition Government would be remembered for assisting not just one organisation, but hundreds of religious groups nationwide.

She emphasised that the multi‑ethnic grant should benefit the wider community rather than a select few.

“This support recognises the years of effort we have put into sustaining our group despite many challenges,” Ms Devi said.

“I feel proud to be a recipient of this programme, which will also encourage our members in their religious and community development.”