Taukei Dedicates Award to Trustees
The National Disabilities Awards celebrates the tremendous work of individuals who dedicate their work towards the disability sector that includes Rokula Ane Taukei.
Originally from Qalikarua Village, Matuku, Lau, she scooped the Administrator of the Year award recognising her abilities in improving the goals of Viti Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji (VSIAF).
Established in 2007, Mrs Taukei have held roles as secretary and trustee, fundraising for spinal injuries and physically challenged to fund home renovations for better access to basic utilities such as the toilet, shower, and kitchen sink with relative ease.
I dedicate the award to the trustees of VSIAF who have given their time out of their busy lives to support, commend, cheer and most importantly assist the association in strengthening its governance structures
Her journey with VSIAF begun after her husband sustained spinal cord injuries during a swimming pool accident in 2001.
“The load of our family rested on my shoulders. How was I going to handle this? Mother, a fulltime employment, and a husband that has just sustained severe injuries with no chances of recovery to mobility or selfcare. Both my children were schooling we were also supporting my parents-in-law. I leaned heavily on my spiritual strength. Love became the motivating factor,” Mrs Taukei said.
Six years later, Mrs Taukei along with friends of her husband, formed an association
to help others in the same situation as her husband.
Mrs Taukei expressed her happiness for receiving an award that highlights the plight of people with spinal injuries or suffering from similar disabilities.
“Honoured to represent loyal friends who have been supportive to my husband, and VSIAF, since its inception. I’m proud that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to continue assisting and inspiring others in ways that have surpassed our expectations.
“I dedicate the award to the trustees of VSIAF who have given their time out of their busy lives to support, commend, cheer and most importantly assist the association in strengthening its governance structures,” she said.
She explains the need for more patience, humble, honest, loving people in the disability sector who are especially sensitive to the suffering of others.
“Persons living with disabilities appreciate your efforts like no other. A simple smile means the world. If they are your neighbor, please go over and “talanoa” - read them a book, share a meal or a funny story. At your workplace, imagine a loved-one in a wheelchair needing to see you – can you persuade your bosses to have a ramp built? In little ways we can all contribute so much to better the quality of lives of people living with disabilities,” she said.