Hakwa Foundation ambassador and Fiji 7s representative Apenisa Cakaubalavu has one message to the children on islands affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold and that is to study hard in school in order to make a change in the future.
The robust individual has been travelling with members of the Nadroga team to outer islands such as Vatulele and their next destination is Malolo Island to provide assistance to those in need during this crisis.
Three weeks ago, Cakaubalavu visited the island of Vatulele and witnessed the devastation of TC Harold and heard stories of what the villagers went through to stay alive.
“It was a sad image to see the island of Vatulele at that state four weeks after the cyclone and hearing the stories from village elders on what they went through was even heartbreaking.
“Their needs of having a safer environment makes us wish only to have the finance to support them on their request. “However their children are the answers to their prayers.
“Better education results lead to better jobs and better jobs lead to good money and with the finance they’re able to achieve anything they wish for like building a better house, evacuation centre, food supplies and a seawall,” he said.
The Naroi, Moala rugger wants to preach the same message on the importance of education on the islands and make them realise that education could be the answer for their worries.
Meanwhile the Nadroga Rugby Union logistics officer Viliame Nakuita has made arrangements with the Hakwa Foundation management to further their assistance to the nearby villages and other parts of the province.
“The foundation have involved ourselves in donating wheelchairs, school stationery, donation to widows, elderly, etc
“The Nadroga Rugby Union players are also champions of the UNDP Ridge to Reef program.
“We participate in the planting of trees organised by the program. Our recent project with UNDP was the Vusama salt making. The boys together with the UNDP helped the villagers of Vusama in reviving this lost traditional art.
“Our next focus is to take school stationery items to Malolo island with our charity arm the Hakwa Foundation.”
