OUR WORK
In the beginning, South Sea Cruises started operating their daily fast ferry services to this region and bringing travellers from around the globe to these islands that at first glance are ‘paradise’. Very quickly, it became apparent that in reality, the villagers live far from the ‘paradise’ that first meets the eye. In fact, the Yasawans struggle from day to day with immense shortages of clean drinking water, little to no health services or facilities, poor nutrition, a lack of educational support and supplies, inadequate power, and non-sustainable practices.
Vinaka Fiji was born of this need and was established in order to act as an advocate for the people at a governmental level, to source and disperse monetary aid, drive awareness of the aid needed for the region and lastly meet the need by providing extra manpower to make all their projects happen with the use of voluntourism.
OUR MISSION
As a charitable organisation, Vinaka Fiji aims to improve the provision of basic needs and amenities for villagers throughout the Yasawa Islands. It seeks to do this both through direct aid and by acting as a facilitator, bringing those who can help together with the landowners and residents.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Through fundraising and volunteering programs, Vinaka Fiji aims to improve the provision of basic needs and amenities often taken for granted in modern society yet missing from village life in the Yasawas.
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Everything we do is in close consultation with the Yasawa Ratus (chiefs), administrators, and headmen in each village to establish what is needed to achieve an improvement in living conditions. We also have a strong relationship with the Ba Provincial Government to ensure they are informed of the work we do. All areas of development are designed to have a low environmental impact, with environmental sustainability a key to the future.
OUR KEY FOCUS AREAS
Creating solutions that support sustainable, self-sufficient communities
Achieve and maintain access to clean, reliable sources of water
Develop ‘micro-enterprises’ based around nutrition, including food crops and education
Support local schools with educational supplies and teaching aids
Assist with ideas, information and solutions for power sources