THE Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji (FENC) has organised a 416km walkathon around Viti Levu with the aim to generate $100,000 to help needy children’s educational needs.
The “Walk for Education and Zero Tolerance against Child Abuse” was launched on Tuesday with the hope to assist children from low income families, as well as building a learning centre in Nasinu Town.
European Union ambassador to Fiji and the Pacific Andrew Jacobs, who was the guest speaker at the launch on Tuesday, said the EU applauded such important initiatives.
“The foundation has played a key role in assuring children have access to education, that they are safe and that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” he said.
Mr Jacobs said the future of Fiji was in the hands of the children and they needed to be nurtured.
Jai Narayan College head boy Ratu Manoa Rokotavaga, who is a recipient of FENC Fiji assistance, said he was very thankful to the organisation.
“I feel very blessed that I have been given this opportunity to actually further my studies,” he said.
Twelve high profile Fijians, including Miss World Fiji 2017, Nanise Rainima and renowned rugby players, started the walkathon from Suva on Wednesday.
They will visit 37 villages, 11 cities and towns for 10 days before returning to Suva on August 26.
FENC Fiji national co-ordinator John Tuiono said the money generated from the walkathon would go towards providing school bags, exercise books, uniforms, stationery and sandals for about 400 children.
FENC Fiji was established in 2009 and they have assisted about 8000 students in Fiji.
