Community representatives from 17 informal settlements gathered with hope and purpose at Civic Centre today, as the three-day Vakatawa Noke Governance Training officially opened.

The program aims to build stronger community leadership and foster inclusive governance with an initiative that we can say is long overdue.

Through interactive methods, the Vakatawa Noke Governance Training training aims to empower communities to drive sustainable, community-led development and enhance their engagement with national governance systems.

The Australian High Commission’s First Secretary – Development, Linda Chen, who opened the training, praised the collaborative spirit behind the project.

“I hope that this training provides you not just with the practical skills and insights in governance and leadership, but empowers you to take forward what you have learned to ensure that the community needs are adequately addressed” Chen highlighted.

The Assistant Minister for the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna offered a sobering reflection on the structural challenges communities continue to face.

“You see people up there, but you see the majority are down here… and becoming rich. But you see the biggest number of people are still down here” Tubuna stated.

He also emphasized the importance of grassroots data and real engagement.

“The first thing that we need to do before ending the development is data. And when we don’t have data how can we go about trying to institutionalize the change within the community. So, the first thing that we did, we asked FCOSS to do a survey so that they can provide us with data. How many people live there? How many people have toilets? How many people have access to sewages? Or how to take out their rubbish, etc?” he continued.

The training-delivered through a partnership involving the Balance of Power project and the Fiji Council of Social Services-offers a rare opportunity for marginalized voices to influence governance reform.

By Joeli Ragoneliwa