Digicel Fiji presents CSR grants to empower local communities

Digicel Fiji presents CSR grants to empower local communities

Suva, Fiji – Thursday, 19 December 2024

Digicel Fiji is proud to announce the winners of its 16th anniversary Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Three deserving community projects in the Northern, Central and Western regions of Fiji will each receive $16,000 in grants.

This initiative underpins Digicel Fiji’s ongoing commitment to CSR which will empower local communities and contribute to improved livelihoods and economic development.

Digicel Pacific Regional HUB Markets CEO, Shally Jannif, commented; “Digicel Fiji is excited to support community-driven projects that empower local people and contribute to sustainable development. Through this initiative, we are giving back to communities, and investing in projects that will create lasting benefits for all Fijians. Celebrating 16 years in Fiji is a momentous occasion and what better way to mark it than by investing in the future of our communities.”

The three awarded projects are Sustainable Solar Energy for Mokani Village (East), Nadroga/Navosa Resource Centre (West) and Karoko Village Solar Street Lights (North).

The Solar Energy project in Mokani in Tailevu will install solar-powered systems to provide clean and reliable energy for critical facilities, including lighting for pathways, communal spaces and study areas for children. The project also includes training for community members in solar system maintenance and the creation of a sustainable funding mechanism.

Mokani Youth Club advisor, Joeli Vueti, said; “This project will light up our community. The solar-powered systems will make our village safer, especially for women and children, while empowering us to take charge of our energy needs. We are grateful for this opportunity and thank Digicel Fiji for coming through to pave the way for a sustainable future.”

The Nadroga/Navosa Resource Centre venture will see them address over 40 years of challenges faced by the Soqosoqo Vakamarama. This project will establish a permanent resource centre. This hub will facilitate income-generating activities including a cafeteria, traditional craft sales and cultural events. It incorporates diverse revenue streams community involvement and rotational district management to ensure long-term sustainability and inclusivity.

Soqosoqo Vakamarama representative, Maria Lewasorosoro, stated; “The Resource Centre is a dream come true for our community. It will not only generate income but also preserve and showcase our cultural heritage. This is more than a building, it’s a symbol of empowerment for our women and youth.”

The Karoko Village Solar Street installation project in Tunuloa, Cakaudrove will see the installation of solar-powered streetlights which will enhance safety and mobility. This will help women market vendors and children travelling during early morning and late-night hours. The initiative also includes a community-managed maintenance plan and disaster preparedness measures.

Karoko Village community leader, Josefa Matagasau, said; “The solar streetlights will brighten our village in more ways than one. They will provide safety for our women and children while showcasing the power of renewable energy in transforming lives. We look forward to a brighter and more secure Karoko.”

These projects represent Digicel Fiji’s commitment to community innovation, sustainability and empowerment, setting a benchmark for grassroots development within Fiji.Digicel Fiji is proud to announce the winners of its 16th anniversary Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Three deserving community projects in the Northern, Central and Western regions of Fiji will each receive $16,000 in grants.

This initiative underpins Digicel Fiji’s ongoing commitment to CSR which will empower local communities and contribute to improved livelihoods and economic development.

Digicel Pacific Regional HUB Markets CEO, Shally Jannif, commented; “Digicel Fiji is excited to support community-driven projects that empower local people and contribute to sustainable development. Through this initiative, we are giving back to communities, and investing in projects that will create lasting benefits for all Fijians. Celebrating 16 years in Fiji is a momentous occasion and what better way to mark it than by investing in the future of our communities.”

The three awarded projects are Sustainable Solar Energy for Mokani Village (East), Nadroga/Navosa Resource Centre (West) and Karoko Village Solar Street Lights (North).

The Solar Energy project in Mokani in Tailevu will install solar-powered systems to provide clean and reliable energy for critical facilities, including lighting for pathways, communal spaces and study areas for children. The project also includes training for community members in solar system maintenance and the creation of a sustainable funding mechanism.

Mokani Youth Club advisor, Joeli Vueti, said; “This project will light up our community. The solar-powered systems will make our village safer, especially for women and children, while empowering us to take charge of our energy needs. We are grateful for this opportunity and thank Digicel Fiji for coming through to pave the way for a sustainable future.”

The Nadroga/Navosa Resource Centre venture will see them address over 40 years of challenges faced by the Soqosoqo Vakamarama. This project will establish a permanent resource centre. This hub will facilitate income-generating activities including a cafeteria, traditional craft sales and cultural events. It incorporates diverse revenue streams community involvement and rotational district management to ensure long-term sustainability and inclusivity.

Soqosoqo Vakamarama representative, Maria Lewasorosoro, stated; “The Resource Centre is a dream come true for our community. It will not only generate income but also preserve and showcase our cultural heritage. This is more than a building, it’s a symbol of empowerment for our women and youth.”

The Karoko Village Solar Street installation project in Tunuloa, Cakaudrove will see the installation of solar-powered streetlights which will enhance safety and mobility. This will help women market vendors and children travelling during early morning and late-night hours. The initiative also includes a community-managed maintenance plan and disaster preparedness measures.

Karoko Village community leader, Josefa Matagasau, said; “The solar streetlights will brighten our village in more ways than one. They will provide safety for our women and children while showcasing the power of renewable energy in transforming lives. We look forward to a brighter and more secure Karoko.”

These projects represent Digicel Fiji’s commitment to community innovation, sustainability and empowerment, setting a benchmark for grassroots development within Fiji.