Our way of giving back to the beautiful people of Fiji
Fiji Kids
Fiji….a memorable island holiday, luxurious resorts, a tropical paradise with miles of idyllic golden sand and swaying coconut trees, and for almost 1 million people these beautiful islands are home. But for many, life in paradise is no holiday. Home is a basic shelter with no power or water. The family must grow everything it needs to eat, and cash income may amount to a few dollars a week. Even the basics are out of reach.
Despite the number of families living below the bread line, education is not free in Fiji. The cost of school fees, uniforms, shoes and books amounts to hundreds of dollars every year, meaning that for many children, completing their education is an impossible dream. Without an education, another generation will be trapped in poverty.
Fiji Kids! Learning for Life is a small local charity based in the popular Coral Coast area of Fiji’s main island. A committed group of volunteers is working to make a difference by connecting destitute families with sponsors who provide the funds to ensure these children are able to attend school. Sponsors commit to continue their support until the student graduates from high school. Through education Fiji Kids! gives these young people and their families hope for the future. They have the opportunity to get meaningful employment and to break out of the poverty cycle.
Island Escapes Directors were introduced to Julie Hoskinson, Fiji Kids! Chairperson, in the first half of 2013 and were immediately impressed with the incredible work that she and her volunteers had implemented during its 4 years of operation, and found great synergy between the 2 organisations.
“We send 1000’s of people on holiday to Fiji each year and not only are they welcomed, but they are embraced by the Fijian people” said Island Escapes Director, Margie-Lee Fong. “When you ask people on their return what it was they enjoyed and will remember most about their holiday it’s the amazing hospitality that is extended to them by the locals that captivates them, rather than the great beaches or their beautiful accommodation. We have been seeking a way to give back to the community that continues to give so much to our clients and we couldn’t think of a more valuable way than through the education of the next generation, and certainly not a more reputable program than Fiji Kids!”
Island Escapes has pledged annual funding to allow Fiji Kids! to appoint an Education Program Manager to be based in Sigatoka. This will allow for the program to expand and for more children to be sponsored on an ongoing basis.
We are proud to be associated with Fiji Kids! and are delighted that we can in some small way, help provide the best possible education opportunities for underprivileged Kids in Fiji.
Find out how you can help make a huge difference to the life of a child in Fiji.
Visit www.fijikids.org
Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FijiKids
Or email us on info@fijikids.org
Fiji Kids! – for the love of Fiji, for the love of kids…..
