Nothing is more gratifying than helping others, especially when they are members of your own community.
Such is the notion that Bulou Keleni Tuikaba believes in and lives by. It has influenced her passion and great enthusiasm for the work she does, knowing it helps the women and children of her village.
Bulou is the community health worker (nasi ni koro) in the village of Qelekuro in Tailevu.
Her roles and responsibilities include assisting members of her community with basic healthcare needs.
She fills the gap between professional health care providers and the community.
Qelekuro was one of ten villages that pledged their commitment to protecting their women and children against all forms of violence, a project that was launched by the Medical Services Pacific, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and Fiji Police Force, funded by the United Nations Trust Fund.
Bulou’s job was to muster support from Qelekuro villagers for the project. She said while her job had its share of problems she had the support of the women of the village.
Although it took a while for the women to see value in supporting the cause, she shared that they slowly showed interest and joined the project after encouragement and discussions.
Bulou expressed her sincerest thanks to the partnership between the villagers and stakeholders, saying this would serve as a source of empowerment among the people of Qelekuro.
She also thanked Medical Services Pacific for coming to the village to raise awareness.
The pledge of commitment taken by the village has strengthened the project.
And Bulou hopes that the commitment will also serve as an example to children and youth to know that violence against women and children should not be tolerated.
