Vatuwaqa residents in Suva now have better access to a wide range of essential services following the launch of the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) program at the Marist Champagnat Institute on Tuesday, 7 May 2025.

Led by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, the three-day initiative aims to deliver services directly to more than 900 households, particularly in informal settlements. It brings together representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, and other partners to deliver health, education, legal aid, voter registration, financial literacy, social welfare, and counselling services in one central location.

Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna, officiated the launch and emphasised the need to address long-standing access gaps in informal settlements across the Central Division.

“By centralising these services under one platform, REACH helps overcome barriers such as travel cost and lack of information that often prevent communities from accessing vital support,” he said.

He also noted that the program serves as a proactive response to broader social challenges-including domestic violence, drug abuse, and poverty-by connecting individuals with the tools needed to make informed decisions and seek assistance.

Local resident Tomukasa from Wailea Settlement welcomed the program, saying it would help residents make better use of available resources.

“This saves us from travelling to town and helps us better understand what support is out there. People are more likely to take action when they know what’s available,” he said.

The REACH program continues to expand to underserved communities around Fiji, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that essential services are accessible to all.