Network’s concerns
A NEWLY registered organisation plans to raise awareness among its members and the indigenous population on the importance of owning resources and how they could improve their standard of living.
The Indigenous Network Fiji’s founder Adi Siteri Kubunavanua was at the EU Trade Seminar at the University of the South Pacific on Wednesday to know more about the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) and how it could benefit the indigenous Fijians.
Based in Suva, the organisation has more than 100 members who work through social media to raise awareness about the organisation and what it stands for.
“We want to raise awareness and educate our iTaukei on the importance of owning resources and how to use those resources to alleviate their living standards from the grassroots,” she said.
“Our objective is to teach them that they are capable of earning an income and that they do not have to wait for handouts or assistance from government all the time,” she said.
Adi Siteri said they still had people, especially youths who were unemployed and were in danger of getting involved in illegal activities and the organisation planned to help them by directing them to the right avenues.
“I have seen how the indigenous Fijians are just sitting there with resources and wait for government assistance or help from any other organisation instead of capitalising on their available resources to earn an income.”
Adi Siteri said attending the trade seminar was an eye-opener for them because they were encouraged to expand their network which would enable the organisation to receive further assistance and support.