FIRST WORD
WE NEED TO EMBRACE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN OUR mindset by empowering our youths for a brighter future Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Inia Seruiratu
A54-year-old Fiji-born Australian citizen has taken on the mammoth task of feeding children of Korociri, Nadi, at no cost.
Birisita Ratubalavu, is a mother of three, who has turned her property into a kitchen to prepare meals for about 25 children in her neighbourhood.
She returned to Fiji four years ago hoping to start an investment in a quarter-acre land she had bought, but with the COVID-19 crisis, she decided to start a project of feeding children.
She is assisted by Helpmate (Fiji), a registered business founded by Ana Bavoro and Amanada Maharaj.
“This was an amazing and emotional experience watching little children bring their bowls and containers to get some food into their hungry little bodies,” she said. Ms Ratubalavu was born in Suva and migrated to Australia with her mum at the age of 10.
She has been travelling in and out of the country until the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was supposed to return [to Australia], but due to the border restriction I am putting my effort to good use,” she said.
She thanked Tui Nawaka for the support with the quarter-acre land, Helpmate Fiji and the donor who have started to assist her with the project.
Ms Maharaj said: “Our first amazing client, Birisita, who has such an amazing heart for the children of Fiji. She got Helpmate Fiji to assist with cooking and feeding hungry children
“God Bless her kind heart for this great initiative to feed the little ones who aren’t getting enough food because of this pandemic.
“For those of you travelling through the back road and would like to help her out, please stop by and say hi or offer a helping hand or groceries to help her feed the hungry children.” Meanwhile, Helpmate (Fiji) provides a variety of services that help people and businesses complete their daily tasks.
Ms Ratubalavu and her team serve daily lunch and dinner for children.
I was supposed to return [to Australia], but due to the border restriction I am putting my effort to good use.