Fiji’s National Development Plan has been incorporated into the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that “No Fijian is Left Behind” achieves sustainability.

The Rights, Empowerment, and Cohesion Programme (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians is an initiative designed to deliver Government services to geographically remote communities across Fiji. The programme which started in 2015 conducts awareness raising on social, economic, and legal rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, provides access to the services associated with these rights, and strengthens institutional capacity to deliver these services.”

These were the words of the Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar while acknowledging the REACH Team for the successful two weeks mission in Rotuma.

Minister Akbar said that the Fijian Government’s REACH mission in Rotuma has provided services in 7 districts, including Itutiu, Juju, Noa’tau, Oinafa, Pepjei, Itumuta, and Malha’a.

“I am grateful to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan for working closely with my Ministry supporting the REACH Mission Programme. I would also like to acknowledge the passion and commitment of the REACH team to serve the people of Rotuma with much-needed services on the island.”

The REACH team that was part of the mobile services in Rotuma include the Department of Social Welfare, Department of Women, Poverty Monitoring Unit, Spinal Injury Association, Empower Pacific, Fiji Revenue and Customs Services, Fiji National Provident Fund, Birth, Death & Marriage, University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University, ANZ Bank, BSP Bank, Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, Ministry of Housing and Community Development, Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relation, Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resource, Biosecurity Authority Fiji, District Office Rotuma, Water Authority of Fiji, Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, Department of Energy, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji Police Force and RFMF Engineers.

Minister Akbar further stated that the REACH programme provides information and services in line with the specific needs of vulnerable populations and localities.

“With the success and effectiveness of the REACH programme, the Fijian Government has continued the programme with its budget allocation for this fiscal year. Since it was established in 2015 until July 2022, the REACH programme has reached a total of 158 districts and 1,376 communities across Fiji. It has also delivered 142,587 services ranging from Social Protection Programmes, Child Protection and Women Empowerment Awareness, Birth, Deaths and Marriage registration, Counselling Services, Opening of New Bank Accounts, Financial Literacy Training, Sexual Reproductive Health, Vola Ni Kawa Bula Registration, Persons Living With Disabilities, provision of mobility devices assistance, health and wellness screening, support by the Fiji police force and other services as requested”.

For information on the REACH program for 2022, you may contact the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation on 3315585 or 3312199.