Sometimes we need feel good stories to realise and appreciate the goodness in people.
The move by the Fiji Girmit Council to assist Fijians impacted by the COVID-19 crisis will no doubt attract interest.
Our report today touches on the humanitarian side of Fijians.
When faced with major obstacles, we are known to reach out a helping hand.
It’s part of our lives.
It’s just the way most Fijians react when they learn of hardship.
You see this every day in the little ways people pour out assistance around the country.
You see it for instance when stories we publish touch the hearts and minds of Fijians.
They reach out, and come to the assistance of those in need.
They will give out what they can, and they will never hesitate, or accept anything in return.
We learn that in a bid to boost food security, the council has offered parcels of land to 10 families to plant root crops and vegetables.
We talked to Mikaele Driu, one of the lucky recipients who lost his job as a casual labourer at the Fiji Sugar Corporation in Lautoka.
He thanked the council and its executive secretary Selwa Nandan for the opportunity given to his family.
Another beneficiary, Waisea Moce lauded the council for opening its doors to assist them.
He called on the Agriculture Ministry to provide assistance.
Mr Nandan said the initiative was part of their community engagement program.
He said it allowed the council to venture into a partnership with the local community to enhance their socio-economic capacity and wellbeing.
“It’s a win-win situation because the land is cleared of overgrown grass and trees and put to productive use to cater for the food supply needs of these communities, most of whom are unemployed,” he said.
“In a way it also addresses the food security issues currently being faced by people as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.”
Mr Nandan said the families were given one year to make use of the land, but this could be extended if the situation worsened.
This is what we are talking about.
Fijians reaching out to assist their fellow Fijians.
It’s a feel good story that touches at the very heart of love, consideration for the welfare of others, and caring about people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sometimes we need this to remind us about who we are, our purpose in life, and what we can do for others.
When you truly care about the welfare of others, there are really no barriers when it comes from the heart.
