Fiji Kids supports 90 students for back to school
Siteri Kurikaba, 17, is grateful to be one of the 90 students provided with back-to-school stationery from Fiji Kids.
Fiji Kids is a volunteer-based, grassroots charity group. It has operated in the Sigatoka (Coral Coast) district in Fiji for over 10 years.
Kurikaba, now a Cuvu College Year 12 student started receiving assistance when she was still in Year Five.
“I started receiving assistance as a Year Five student at Raunitogo Primary School in Sigatoka Valley,” she said.
“My mum died last year from Leptospirosis. And this is a big boost for me.”
Her two brothers Isimeli Delai, and Ulaiasi Radike were also assisted.
This year again a total of 90 students (primary, secondary and tertiary) were assisted.
These students were hosted for two days at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort in Sigatoka.
Fiji Kids founder Julie Hoskison said, “this year our major sponsor is
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Association Bank of Fiji.
“Outrigger sponsored a two-day mentoring leadership programme for the secondary and tertiary students.”
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort general manager, Darren Shaw said, “we have long been a sponsor of Fiji
Kids. In fact, even during COVID times we were in promotion together with Fiji Kids.”
“We raised together AU$25,000 by giving away room nights, which is just amazing to give during COVID when people couldn’t travel, and we managed to give away room nights and $25,000 was raised.
“It is a wonderful organisation and Outrigger loves being completely supportive of them.”
Resort chief engineer, Vineet Singh, said it was a good opportunity for the management team to meet the children and encourage them on their studies, goals and future careers.
“When Fiji Kids are here, we get the opportunity to talk to the kids. Also, the management team had the opportunity to talk to the kids and encourage them about their school, their careers and their future,” he said.
“During the workshop, they are so motivated by knowing that someone had experienced what they went through but able to reach a high position such as resort managers.”