FIJI Water employees drive local sustainability projects

Each year, FIJI Water employees participate in Leadership Fiji, an organization that aims to develop the next generation of leaders by hosting community service projects and workshops on topics such as environmental sustainability, poverty and social welfare, human rights, health, and education.

Leadership Fiji, a FIJI Water Foundation community grant recipient, invites representatives from various organizations to apply for and participate in its flagship community development program on an annual basis.

In 2022, Annjelyn Shalvina, manager logistics and depot at FIJI Water, applied and following a rigorous application process, was accepted into the Leadership Fiji cohort.

During her first year in the program, Annjelyn participated in weekly workshops where speakers from various groups, such as subject matter experts and government officials, were invited to discuss the history of Fiji and the changes the country had undergone following the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time in the program, members were tasked with identifying and completing community service projects.

For example:

- Building three homes in Lautoka for a charitable organization seeking to help displaced members of the community.

- Painting the community hall at Golden Age Home, a cherished nursing home for the elderly located in Suva.

-  Fundraising for the Frank Hilton Organization, a nonprofit organization that provides essential resources for children with disabilities.

In November 2022, Annjelyn and her cohort began to brainstorm ideas for their final project to further demonstrate their commitment to the community.

The group visited a village in Vanua Levu that was deeply impacted by the global challenge of rising sea levels. It was also the first village that was forced to relocate in the South Pacific and was struggling to generate income. The villagers requested a multi-purpose bus shelter so those waiting for the bus could have access to washrooms and small shops and villagers could sell their local produce and crafts.

After fundraising, Annjelyn and her peers were pleased to introduce the bus shelter at the end of 2023 through a traditional handover ceremony, presenting it as a gift to the village. The group also gifted the villagers with a water tank and partnered with the FIJI Water Foundation to provide 100 school bags to the students at Nabua Primary School.

Reflecting on her experience, Annjelyn said, “Participating in Leadership Fiji exposed me to the core values and essence of the Fijian spirit: a strong sense of community, unwavering resilience, and boundless generosity. This experience taught me how to find my purpose and the ways in which I can give back. I had to get out of my comfort zone, face my fears, and jump into the unknown, which was a challenge for me since I am an introvert, but I am grateful for the experiences Leadership Fiji gave me.”

As deputy leader, she plans to keep the momentum going and continues to be involved in environmental, educational, and sustainability-related projects. The Leadership Fiji program serves as a powerful reminder that by working together, we can create a better world for all. Vinaka, Annjelyn, for your continued support and commitment to Fiji!

To learn more about Leadership Fiji, visit leadershipfiji.org.