Family Welfare and Support
Fiji faces challenges including high rates of poverty, gender inequality and gender-based violence and inadequate housing. Economic access is hindered because Fiji is approximately 3,000 kilometers from major metropolitan markets, its population is spread over 100 islands and service delivery costs are high. National poverty has been decreasing over the last 15 years, reducing from 39.8% in 2002/03 to 35.2% in 2008/09, to just under 30 percent as recorded in the 2017 census. However, this still leaves an estimated one third of the Fijian population living in poverty, predominantly in rural areas. Over 45% of the population are under the age of 25. This presents significant challenges in having sufficient livelihoods opportunities for an increasing number of school leavers, resulting in high levels of youth unemployment. This in turn is linked to risky behaviour including substance abuse and violent or criminal behaviour, and mental health problems.
ESSENTIAL MEDICAL, FOOD AND CLOTHING, AND EDUCATION SUPPORT
JP Bayly Trust, a renowned charitable trust in Fiji which was established by the late Mr. JP Bayly in 1954, provides for the welfare of the less fortunate and needy families with their basic yet essential medical, food and clothing, and education support to families and their children.
The Trust has medical and dental clinics operated by registered practitioners and provides free medical and dental consultations as well as medication to just over 400 families who are permanently registered with each centre.
JP Bayly Trust:
- provides food supplies for those who cannot afford it
- provides medical assistance to the less fortunate in Fiji’s society
- Helps educate children who will be the future of Fiji
PROVIDING RELIEF FOR POOR AND DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES
Make A Difference Fiji is a registered NGO based in Pacific Harbour run by Founder, Renu Snowsill. The charity has formed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FijiLIFE Foundation to provide support in the Fijian community. Make A Difference Fiji supports families needing urgent assistance in Fiji and provides guidance and funding to anyone needing medical treatment in India.
The registered Fiji charity is on the ground providing relief for the poor and disadvantaged in Fiji. Renu Snowsill and her team will receive your donation and use to forward food, school supplies, clothes and emergency packs as required to people identified by them as being in need.
RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR THE SICK, FRAIL, ELDERLY AND INFIRM
The Sisters of Compassion, a Catholic religious order, has been serving the needs of the disabled and disadvantaged elderly in Fiji since 1952. Their local Sisters of Compassion manage the Chanel Home of Compassion and continue to work actively towards improving the conditions of the residents.
The Chanel Home of Compassion strives to ensure their service best fits the needs of their residents, and honours their vision and mission. The vision of the Chanel Home of Compassion – Fiji is a people, following the rogo kaci/call of Christ, in the spirit of Suzanne Aubert. Their mission is to bring the yalo ni loloma/spirit of love, care and compassion to all by managing Congregation resources so that the Spirit and work of the Sisters of Compassion can continue.
JP BAYLY FAMILY APPEAL — HARD DAY AT THE OFFICE
160 Books “Hard Day at the Office” Gifted by Grahame Southwick.
Grahame Southwick, is from the pioneering Storck family who arrived in Fiji in the 1860s, while his father landed in Fiji in 1936 from Australia as a pharmacist. Grahame attended Marist Brothers High School, with a close connection to the sea starting at a very young age.
Grahame is supporting the FijiLIFE Foundation in a generous fund raising offer in support of our JP Bayly Family Appeal, calling for donations for many people experiencing food shortages and health issues.