Self Care Retreat Fiji Opens Hub in Nabua
“Thank you so much for setting up this hub so that people can find a safe haven, a refuge, a place where they can identify with people like you who are concerned,” he said.
Friday 30 August 2024 | 11:00
Members of the Self Care Retreat Fiji and cancer survivors with Pastor Manasa Kolivuso at hub in Namena Road, off Grantham Road, on August 29, 2024. Photo: Kaneta Naimatau
The Self Care Retreat (Fiji) Hub, a sanctuary for women cancer survivors, opened yesterday in Nabua, which marks a significant milestone in providing support for cancer survivors.
Mereane Vavataga, the chief executive officer of Self Care Retreat Fiji, stressed the importance of the new hub.
“It’s an oasis where women cancer survivors can come when sickness overwhelms them,” Ms Vavataga said.
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“They can come to rest here and find nourishment. It’s a safe space where they talk about what they go through, the challenges that they face.”
The NGO, established in 2021, focuses on supporting women cancer survivors in their spiritual, emotional, and mental healing.
“Two times in a year, we take the survivors, a different group each time, to a hotel to build up a relationship with them, build their trust. When we come back, we take them on a three-week Bible study programme covering spiritual, emotional, or inner healing, and the transformation of humanity.”
Senior Pastor Manasa Kolivuso of Faith Harvest Church in Nausori, who officiated the opening, praised the initiative.
“Thank you so much for setting up this hub so that people can find a safe haven, a refuge, a place where they can identify with people like you who are concerned,” he said.
Cancer survivor
Bulamarau Tikoduadua, a cancer survivor, shared her powerful testimony during the event.
“A year ago today, I was completely paralysed. My cancer journey was short but aggressive,” Ms Tikoduadua said.
Her story highlighted the critical need for support systems like the Self Care Retreat Hub.
“I’m really grateful for this organisation because after cancer aftercare/after treatment is quite lonely,” she said.
Ms Vavataga outlined the organisation’s future aspirations of opening a hospice, but this, she said, was only the beginning.
The Self Care Retreat Fiji continues to rely on donations and partnerships to sustain its operations.
“Even for this building, I had to shave my hair to raise funds,” she revealed, referring to her participation in the ‘Shave it or Save it’ campaign earlier this month.
Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj
