FESTIVAL HYPE: GOOD TURNOUT FOR
VODAFONE FESTIVAL CONTESTANT CASTING
Vodafone Hibiscus Festival casting was a success as Festival chairman Hirdesh Prasad feels it was a nice turn out and unexpected as people were still recovering from the shock of Tropical Cyclone Winston.
“It was outstanding, I could not believe that people are still interested after TC Winston and they have so much to advocate about, it was a nice turn out,” Mr Prasad said. The Vodafone Hibiscus committee was in front of Tappoo City yesterday with former contestants who were encouraging the public to participate in the charitable event. Vodafone Hibiscus 2014 Queen Nanise Rainima said: “You can expect the trend to happen again over the years but this year I think it’s going to be different and that’s the best thing because every year the standard is different and there is something new.” This year contestants can expect a change in the theme compared to previous years. “For the last two years our theme was based on climate change and this year will be completely different and based on children and that’s yet to be finalised,” Mr Pras- ad said. Parents are encouraging their children to be part of this year’s festival and Mr Prasad has confirmed that a good number of applications have been filled and many forms will be submitted to their office by tomorrow. Applicants are excited to know the outcome of their application and they are waiting for the committee’s response with anticipation.
Young people inspired to make a change
Many young people crowded up in front of Tappoo City to make a difference, with the Vodafone Hibiscus Committee giving out forms to young people looking for a platform to advocate their concerns. Sheenal Swastika, one of the new applicant this year said she was very excited. The 21-year-old is from Labasa and is currently studying Law at the University of Fiji and works as a Paralegal officer for Mishra Prakash and Associates and is hoping to be selected as one of the contestants this year. “This has been my childhood dream and this gives me a platform to advocate on poverty eradication to help decrease the poverty line in Fiji,” Ms Swastika said. Catherin Kama, 15 of Kadavu is a student of Gospel High School and looks up to her father Kitione Kama who has supported and encouraged her in becoming an inspiration for the girls of her age. Like some young people, she applied this year after not being successful last year. Mr Kama said: “I wanted my daughter to experience new things in life and to become an open minded person learning new things.”