A Fijian youth group called the ‘Hakwa Gang’ from the province of Nadroga/Navosa was this afternoon acknowledged in Parliament by Opposition MP Inosi Kuridrani for their effort in assisting their people.
Mr Kuridrani said the youth group had used their time effectively during this pandemic by taking the initiative to respond to vulnerable members of the province who had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said since the inception of the group in June this year, the group had donated almost $20,000 worth of assistance distributed over five projects.
Mr Kuridrani said the group’s recent contributions were allocated to the village of Toga in the district of Naqwalimare where $4000 worth of groceries was donated earlier this month.
He also said last Saturday, $4000 worth of farming tools were handed over to youths of Tonuve and Volinagerua in the Bemana district.
“With the recent restrictions to movement in place due to the pandemic, these inspirational youth groups thought outside the box and revived the traditional “solesolevaki” approach to suit the context of the digital era by raising all their funds for assistance virtually,” the MP said.
“I applaud the Hakwa Gang for their vision and their tremendous efforts to bridge the gap and meet the needs of our people in Nadroga/Navosa during this pandemic.
“If the action of the Hakwa Gang is any indication of the quality of people that our province and our nation is breeding for the future, then the future of our nation is in good hands.
“Vinavalevu djna Hakwa Gang for showing the true Nadroga/Navosa spirit of love and unity that we are known for – ‘Tju Vata tju Qata, Dju mata ga dhu yalo’ (Stand united, stand strong; we see through our soul”).
