ISSUE 11 / APRIL - Vodafone Fiji

JeevanISSUE11 / APRIL-JULY 2010enriching people’s lifeOFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE VODAFONE ATH FIJI FOUNDATIONTimely aid for North farmersEightyone farmers in the NorthernDivision benefi ted within fi ve days ofthe launch of the Vodafone Red Alertprogramme for victims of CycloneTomas.The Board of Trustees for theVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation released$24,000 to the National VolunteerCentre (NVC) on 22 March from thefunds raised since 18 March.The funding will directly impact 81farmers in seven sugarcane sectorswho suffered extensive damage totheir farms in the Northern parts ofFiji.The NVC has been tasked tofacilitate the distribution of fertilizerto affected cane farmers and farmingmaterials to subsistence farmers.Farmers in north could not holdback their emotion after receivingfertilizers from NVC representatives.“Their sentiments can only berealised if you see the damages,” saidVodafone ATH Fiji Foundationhas launched an SMS appeal to allVodafone Fiji subscribers aimingto fundraise for the victims of theCyclone Tomas disaster.From 18 March 2010, friends andfamilies in Fiji and abroad have beendonating through the short code*767# towards rebuilding the lives ofthose affected by Cyclone Tomas.Farmers receive bags of fertilizer from NVC officialsNVC project offi cer Neil Maharaj.Farmer Niranjan Singh said heplanted sugar cane, bean, cassavaand vegetables for his family to liveon. “All is damaged now ... this helpfrom Vodafone will enable me startagain.”Farmer Maikeli said the fertilizerassistance will help him rehabilitatethe damaged cane. Another farmerIn the fi rst three days of the launch,we had 661 customers donatingtowards the cause, and our networkpartners Vodafone NZ Foundationdonated NZ$10,000, VodafoneAustralia A$10,000, while VodafoneGroup Foundation gave £10,000.No charges apply to making anSMS donation. The only amountdeducted from your mobile or creditAmrit said “I planted watermelon,cane and vegetables before thecyclone. All got damaged by CycloneTomas. Last year my cane productionwas 397 tonnes and due to thedamage I expect only 230 tonnes thisyear.” A total of $75,000 was raisedwhen this edition went to press. Thefunds will be released soon to charityorganisations to assist more people.card is the amount that is chosenfrom menu or the amount fi lled in thespace provided. To donate, simply dial*767# and follow the instructions.You can donate either $1, $4.99or $9.99. You can also choose aparticular cause you want to donateto by selecting from the menu: basicneeds, education, emergency socialservices, and disaster relief. You canJeevan is the Hindi word for LifeA letter fromVF Foundation“The Vodafone Foundation ispleased to allocate a grant of£10,000 towards the reliefeffort following the devastationof cyclone Tomas andas a contribution to the RedAlert campaign launched byVodafone Fiji and its Foundation.The Foundation hopesthat the funds will be of assistanceto the communitiesas they seek to rebuild andrepair the damage caused bythe devastating winds andthe storm surges”.Andrew Dunnett, DirectorThe Vodafone FoundationLondonRed Alert providing a platform to assist the needyalso choose which area of Fiji youwant to donate to – either the north,central eastern, western divisions, orthe maritime, rural/outer islands. Weare requesting our most importantstakeholders - our customers - tospread the word and help Fiji throughtheir networks, families and friends inFiji and abroad. Web donation can bemade at www.vodafone.com.fj/redalert.Virtues, page 5 Child Heart, page 6 North Update, page 8 Seminar, page 9

What is Vodafone Red AlertVodafone Red Alert is a global facility established to respond to disasters.Vodafone Red Alert is a programme of Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation on VodafoneFiji Limited Platform which aims at helping customers help others through SMSfundraising. Vodafone Red Alert generates support amongst employees andcustomers in the immediate aftermath of emergencies and disasters.This is a free service and all funds donated goes to those affected by CycloneTomas through charitable organizations in Fiji selected by the Board of Trusteesof the Foundation. Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation also donates to this course.What happens to your donationThe Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Trustees have the responsibility to passall donations to ultimate benefi ciaries which will be pure donations withoutdeductions. The amount of funds collected via RED ALERT will be made public atregular intervals during the initiative, as will its distribution.The amount donated will go to those affected by the disaster, throughcharitable organisations and in the process building capacities and ensuringsustainability of your contribution. Volunteers have been mobilised and will beassigned to communities in convening the priority community need assessmentand helping those requiring assistance.Vodafone’s commitment to the community fl ows from our core values andprinciples. To us, social investment is at the heart of how we engage with thecommunities where our customers, employees, investors and suppliers live.A Labasa farmer shows damage to his crop by Cyclone Tomas.EVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCEDisabled develop planThe International Day for Disabled Persons celebrationsThe Fiji Disabled People’sAssociation Youth group hasdeveloped a action plan for theyear 2010 to provide memberswith a range of activities to ensurethe increased participation ofyouth with disabilities.The FDPA Youth was given afunding of $50,220.00 last yearto carry out the International Dayfor Disabled Persons’ activitiesand realize the development ofthe action plan.A total of 120 members willbenefi t from this action plan. Theyouth group plans to recruit 20percent more members throughactivities outlined in the plan.“There was never a youthgroup project before VodafoneATH FIji Foundation stepped in toassist,” said FDPA Youth PresidentMoshmi Artika.“In the fi rst phase of theplan, the youths are planning toempower their peers to attendawareness programmes ontheir rights and responsibilities,advocate on burning issues facingthem, capacity building in thefi eld of leadership, managementand supportive communication.”“The second phase willembark on positive mentalattitude development whichwill uplift their morale, raise selfesteem, change mindset andgenerate talents.”The third phase is to identifytheir potential through useof participatory tools with anexpectation to acquire life skills,embark on fi nancial literacy,saving and identifying fundraisingand income generationactivities.The plan also includesexecuting voluntary activitiesunder Duke of Edinburgh AwardsProgramme for which they havealready attended trainings.The plan was developed with30 youth members representingvarious affi liates.Technology-enabled giving - 21 countries embrace Red Alert programme21 Vodafone Foundations around the worldhave agreed a partnership with Vodafone operatingcompanies worldwide to initiate an emergencySMS fundraising programme called Vodafone RedAlert. The programme started from 1st April 2010and is focussed on enabling Vodafone employeesand customers to give free of charge via SMS inresponse to disasters and emergencies.During the recent Haiti earthquake, manywitnessed the power of SMS fundraising toraise large amounts of funding for disaster reliefprogrammes in a short space of time. In responseto requests from its foundations, 14 Vodafonecompanies around the world were engaged inSMS fundraising, utilising SMS giving alone whichenabled Vodafone customers to give in excess of£4.6 million for Haiti Appeals. The Foundationsthemselves contributed £275,000 towards theappeal.Vodafone Foundations are keen to facilitatefuture SMS giving, and its companies in thefollowing countries have agreed to implement theVodafone Red Alert programme.Albania, Australia, Czech Republic, DemocraticRepublic of Congo, Egypt, Fiji, Germany, Ghana,2 l www.vodafone.com.fj/foundationVodafoneRed AlertHungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, NewZealand, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Spain,Tanzania, Turkey, UK.All Vodafone SMS charges associated with a RedAlert campaign in each of the abovecountries will be waived.The request to launch a Red Alertin one particular country will rest withthe local Vodafone Foundation andtheir Trustees. For a Global Red Alertthe decision will rest with the VodafoneFoundation Trustees in the UK. TheTrustees (both local and global) willmake their decision on the basis ofa set of criteria which draws on theknowledge and expertise of those engaged infundraising for disaster relief programmes and isavailable on the Vodafone Foundation website.These include the size and scale of the disaster,the requests of support from the humanitarianrelief organisations, the grounds for thinking thatVodafone customers and employees will respondand fi nally that Vodafone Foundations are alreadycontributing.Commenting Andrew Dunnett, Director of theVodafone Foundation stated, “If you immediatelyask people for help and can fi nd a way of enablingthem to give funds which is simple, you can raisemillions very quickly.“We learnt a lot‘Helping youhelp others’through providingthis for Haiti andhave now put inplace measures toenable VodafoneFoundationsand companiesto respond inpartnership infuture”.

Passion for service is explicit in theactivities of the National VolunteerCentre, which is supported by theVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation.Whether it is helping to ensurelife skills are available to womenprisoners, or setting up a garden, orworking towards cleaner and bettersurroundings, the passion to make adifference is inherent in the activitiesof the volunteers of the NVC. TheNVC is an initiative of the Fiji Councilof Social Services.For example, members of theNVC Hibiscus group in Suva spendtheir Saturdays at the Women’s WardCorrectional and Rehabilitation Unit.Through funds given by theVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, theHibiscus group bought scrubbingbrushes, steel brushes and paintscrappers for use in maintenancework and painting of the sewingtraining room for women to learnskills to survive after serving theirterm. The volunteers also created afood garden for the inmates.Volunteers in the groups arelargely unemployed who worktowards building up experiencetowards getting a job. Says EmaDaveta of the Hibiscus group: “It isnot only about doing voluntary workbut also gaining something in return.What we did at the prison was an eyeopener for the group also.”Other groups like Frangipani(Father Law Home) Tagimoucia(Basden College), Rose (Pearce Home)EVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCEVodafone fueling passion for serviceVodafone is readying to launch its mostimportant social project to date: the World ofDifference programme in which individuals will beselected to execute their own charitable projectsin Fiji for a year, and be paid to do so by VodafoneATH Fiji Foundation.The World of Difference inauguration willbe done on 27 April 2010 by Mr. Russell Hewitt,Vodafone Fiji Board of Director at 168 Princes Road.A call for expression of interest from interestedindividuals in the 20-45 age bracket will be madeshortly after.The World of Difference is a global fl agshipprogramme with local roots increasing appreciationof creative ideas and achievements and currentlyoperating in 18 countries across the globe. It is asocial investment that is targeted at creative researchand programmes that can help to provide replicablesolutions to some of the most pressing problems insociety. The solutions must have the potential to makea world of difference for all people in Fiji and be highimpact,measurable, and sustainable beyond the lifetimeof the initiative.“The World of Difference programme is all aboutfi nding 36 passionate people who want to work helpingcivil society organisations, and get paid to do it,” says MrHewitt.Volunteers: VlTOP: :GGarden project at tBBa aHHospital. BOTTOM: TOM:CCleaning seawalland Sunfl ower (Dilkusha Home)spend their weekends cleaning up orenhancing facilities at their places ofoperation.The respective groups plantedEnabling ideas to make a World of DifferenceVodafone’s new initiative to push for creativity and achievementVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation will call for applicationsfrom passionate people who wish to work shorttermand long-term in a capacity building role with acharitable civil society organisation with all expensesand a salary paid. The programme’s particular focuswill be to enhance organisation effectiveness with aparticular focus on building social leadership in youthsand communities.The World of Difference programme is aboutempowering to make a positive change and givesrecipient an opportunity to make a difference/an impact,get paid to volunteer and learn about themselves, saidMr Hewitt.radish, carrots, tomatoes, dhania andbhindi and made fl ower beds (FatherLaw Home); created an assemblyarea, provided income-generatingequipment - BBQ set and portablestove (Basden College); set upsustainable food gardens (Dilkusha)and cleaned up surroundings (PearceHome and Samabula Old PeoplesHome).In the West, volunteers in Rakiraki,Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatokaworked at the Rakiraki, Tavua, Baand Sigatoka Hospitals, the LautokaSpecial School and the Nadi TownCouncil Library. Much of the workinvolved giving a facelift to thepremises or planting a vegetablegarden.E. C. Walesi took part in the NadiLibrary voluntary activities, by helpingwith pre-schoolers on 19 February. Henow teaches the pre-school kids on aregular basis and is enjoying everymoment of every day with them as avolunteer on behalf of FCOSS.“Doing volunteer work is anexciting experience and it plays animportant part of my daily life,” saysWalesi. “Volunteer work encouragesus to step out of our own ‘littlebox’ and go out in to the world asindependent leaders to help ourneighbours, brothers and sisters.”$0.25m free servicefrom volunteersWith $14,000 spent in the last 3months, we have contributed almost$0.25million value of free services tothe economy of Fiji, says Neil Maharaj,Project Offi cer of the National VolunteerCentre (NVC).The NVC was a dream of FCOSS headMr Hassan Khan who nominated Maharajto attend the 12th IAVE Asia Pacifi cConference so that the knowledge couldbe utilized locally to start NVC.“This centre will seemingly reduce anumber of social issues such as drugsabuse, unemployment, self esteem,and so on facing youths of today,” saysMaharaj. “To eliminate this diffi culty, theyare getting exposure, are committed andhave less leisure time to engage withillegal activities.”Cost-benefi t analysis of the volunteerhours calculated: $3.50/hour X 16 hoursX 13 projects X 303 volunteers assignedtask = $220,584.00 value of free servicesprovided. “My message to our leadersand communities is to show youthsthe light, give a pat on their back andyou will see where they take Fiji. Pleaseencourage them,” said Maharaj.www.vodafone.com.fj/foundation l 3

Mrs Jaam Kaur is a living exampleof how determination sprinkled withsome know-how can lead to fi nancialindependence. Along with herhusband, Mr Seveci Talai, she runs asmall shop, has almost 40 heads ofcattle, a pig farm and their daughteris in seventh form studying to be anaccountant.Mrs Kaur says her family’s fi nancialoutlook had been enhanced by thefi nancial literacy training she andher husband had taken. The trainingis part of the Fiji Council of SocialServices’ microfi nance project thathas benefi ted over 190 people inover 13 communities so far.Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundationprovided funds for the fi nancialliteracy training where participantslearnt the benefi ts of saving andutilising the saving to expand theirincome generation. Also part of thetraining was setting goals and targetsand putting in place plans whichchallenge them to meet their target.The assistance from Microfi nance hasgiven them a fi nancial security theynever had before, says Mrs Kaur. Withthe loans they have received, theirbusiness has fl ourished. “Everybodycan save money, if they have the will,”says Mrs Kaur. “Kua na vucesa,” is hermessage to aspiring entrepreneurs.Others have also benefi ted fromthe small grants offered through theMore schools to participatein DEAP programmeEVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCEKua na vucesa, says Mrs KaurParticipants at the Financial Literacy Trainingtraining. The types of businessesstarted with this grant includedairy shops, handicrafts, tailoring,screen printing, and production/manufacturing of home-basedvirgin coconut oil etc. 50-70% whoattended training have opened somesort of small income generatingactivity. The training also benefi tsfamilies juggling their fi nances tocope with life. Mrs. Senilagakali ofthe SDA Womens Group said that thetraining has given her new insightsand new ideas on how she can savemoney and set goals for the benefi tsof her family. ”I now also realise thatsavings will help us in unexpectedevents,” she said.Mother of three, WainikitiKoroiwasa said she could nowbudget her family income well andthe family was able to put aside somemoney for savings. “This is good forrainy days and now we do not haveto borrow or rely on others.”Even retirees and pensionersaw great advantage of the training.Sixty year old Semi Turaga, whoaccompanied his wife to the training,said that this type of training shouldhave come a long time ago when ‘Ihad been a little younger and couldstill earn and save with my age’. “Now,it is a little bit too late for me but myadvice to the young couples is this –‘This is the way out of poverty.’”Fifteen new schools will be joiningthe Duke of Edinburg Awards Programme(DEAP) soon. This would take the totalnumber of schools participating in theprogrammne to 45. Currently 30 schoolsare registered out of which 23 are fundedby the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation.For the 15 new schools, a leaderstraining was conducted which equipscordinators with essential skills to managethe programme.DEAP is a charity programme out of UKdedicated to the personal developmentof young people from all backgrounds.DEAP head Sakiusa Regu fromMinistry of Youth says the programmehas come far from when it started.“We have 814 participants among30 schools and 3 schools have alreadyreached gold category.”The concept is simple – anyone agedAWARD PARTICIPANTSYear Bronze Silver Gold200220032004200520082009274152303404685781415252103333663(NB: figures for 2006 & 2007 were not obtained)between 14 and 25 can do a programmeat one of three progressive levels which,when successfully completed, lead to aBronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’sAward. There are four sections atBronze and Silver level and fi ve at Gold.With assistance from adult leaders,participants select and set objectives ineach of the following areas: Volunteering,Physical, Skills, Expedition. At Gold level,participants must do an additional fi fthResidential section, which involvesstaying and working away from homedoing a shared activity.Each section must be done fora minimum of 12 weeks. It must bemonitored and then assessed bysomeone with knowledge of thatparticular activity to achieve an Award.Each progressive level demands moretime and commitment from participants.Total274193388522698814The programmes help youngpeople develop into fully rounded andresponsible individuals. Participantswill see new talents and skills developand emotional maturity blossom whilstalso building their fi tness and initiative.Its balanced programme of activitiesdevelops the whole person – mind, bodyand soul, in an environment of socialinteraction and team working.Furthermore, as doing theirDEAP involves developing a personalprogramme of challenging activities,participants enjoy unique experiencesand rewards. Generally participation inthe programme develops: self-belief.self-confi dence, a sense of identity,independence of thought and action,respect and understanding of peoplefrom different backgrounds, cultures andwalks of life, a sense of responsibility,an awareness of their potential, newtalents and abilities,an understanding ofstrengths and weaknesses,the ability to plan and usetime effectively, the abilityto learn from and give toothers in the community,new relationships, skillsincluding problemsolving, presentation andcommunication, and theability to lead and work aspart of a team.The development and empowerment concepts prevalent in the Award is what makes it a rewarding and beneficial program. There is nothing moregratifying than seeing young people change for the better, realizing their God given potentials and using it to make their world a better place tolive in. The award program in its own unique way offers this to our young people, not only here in our beautiful Islands but all around the world.- SAKIUSA REGU4 l www.vodafone.com.fj/foundationDEAP head from Department of Youth & Sports Mr Sakiusa ReguAWARDS PRESENTEDYear Bronze Silver20022003200420052006200720082009Total71101012952606149433123151023615102

Staff charge in to help those in needA crisis call to Vodafone had staff hurrying to helpa school in the interior of Viti Levu.Lautoka, Nadi and Ba branch staff pitched in with$10 each after the head teacher of Nadelei CatholicSchool, Varasiko Tovolea called Vodafone asking forurgent supplies to continue running the school.One staff member generously donated a printerfor the school while the Lion’s club of Lautoka alsohelped with goods that had been donated by aLions Club in New Zealand.Vodafone’s Unaisi Vaivao said head teacherTovolea had told her how supplies were really lowand how diffi cult it was for parents in the area,mostly farmers, to send their children to school.“It would have been such a burden to ask theparents for more,” she said. The Nadelei Catholic Schoolis located about seven miles from Tavua. “We are alwayscommitted to assisting in community project and wechose Nadelei as one of our special projects,” she said.On-the-ground people disseminatingthe Vodafone-supported Virtues Project arereporting success where it matters most – withparents.Reports recently in say the programmetouches the lives of women and families inmyriad ways and also works well for wholevillages.Following the Training of Trainers in July lastyear, 17 facilitators have been actively workingin their communities as trainers to teachparents and youth the skills of the VirtuesEVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCETOP: Team West. INSERT: Atish Lal.At Vodafone Suva, Atish Lal raised $1674 as partof the Double Your Dollar Programme to assist thoseaffected by Cyclone Tomas. The funds have beenallocated towards education assistance in Savusavu andTaveuni schools. Total contribution is $3348.Mothers changing livesMothers at Ba Province workshopProject. They have been presenting the Virtuesh d h lProject at gatherings of hundreds of attendees, trainingparents (men and women) in their own communitiesand surrounding areas as well as travelling to schoolsand other community groups to conduct one and twoday training courses.Participants are sharing what they have learned andhow it works with others, through church meetings aswell as women and youth meetings, says MereseiniMateiwai, Master facilitator/trainer.Toga Cawi, from Nadi, says that parents who took partin the programme reported that their children were moreadaptable to and in better control of new situations.“If this training hadn’t come through, we wouldn’thave been able to solve a lot of issues taking place withinfamily units and in the community, in general,” she says.“I must thank Vodafone ATH for supporting us trainers sothat we can spread this positive parental programme toother part of Fiji.”The fi ve-strategy Virtues project offers key toolsfor parenting and life skills. Presenters fi nd thatreinforcement of the programme brings about a greateroutcome – “we need to keep on revisiting them untilwe fi nd the changes we are working towards are takingplace in the community.”Vilimaina Raitupu, who conducts Virtuespresentations in Ba, says the presentations have receivedpositive endorsement from some Government offi cials.She has made presentations to both the families ofthe Social Offi cer, Ba and the Agricultural Offi cer, Baand found them very receptive. Vilimaina also says thepresentations have allowed families to pinpoint a lot ofhidden talents, as well as address weaknesses, that theyhave seen with their children.Foundation Executive @ Australian National UniversityA civil society and private sector relation needs continuous strengthening to play the role of‘watch dog’. Civil society organisations also need to strengthen themselves ensuring internalgovernance, effective fi nancial management, accountability and transparency to be able touplift the livelihood of communities so they can equitably and responsibly participate in theactivities of the economy, bridging the chasm between poverty alleviation and economicgrowth. This is the gist of Ambalika Kutty’s paper presented at ANU.The paper discusses the measures and countermeasures that can help, raise awareness,inspire corporates to maximize performance, inspire establishment of more charities andAmbalika Kuttyfoundations that can bestow their social responsibility in more systemized, effective and effi cient manner.The paper also revealed that building quality relationships within these already intertwined, inter-dependentand independent sectors is crucial and instrumental in achieving equitable, consistent and sustainabledevelopment.www.vodafone.com.fj/foundation l 5Virtues Projectactivity updateA wall chart of the 5 Virtues in the Fijianlanguage was printed and is being distributedto the facilitators who see this as a majorcontribution to people being able to “Usethe Language of the Virtues”. In addition thepublication of the Booklet on Parenting (whichisthe Fijian translation of the section onparenting from the “Family Virtues Guide” byLinda Kavelin Popov and Dan Popov) is beingdistributed and defi nitive feedback is requiredto evaluate the impact of this booklet.Two staff members were able to attendthe Global Mentorship Conference held inPerth, Western Australia in November. Thecurrent status of the activities for the VirtuesProject was presented and a DVD of severalfacilitators from the Ba Parenting Projectwas shown. New ideas brought back to Fijiincluded the use of the arts to express thevirtues as a companioning tool as well as anexpression of dealing with issues. These skillsare to be introduced to the facilitators of theparenting project.At least 50 villages and settlements havebeen involved with the project through theintroductory workshops and now follow-upworkshops are being are carried out with thetrained facilitators. Some results that havebeen reported include:• Boundaries have been set forfamilies, groups (such as women, youth andchurch) and the entire village producing morepeaceful communities.• The virtues cards are used with theVirtues Pack to set the tone for the meetingsor to assist individuals solve their problems.• Tavua facilitators are workingwith church groups and youth groups toimplement the 5 strategies. In the YasawaIslands the facilitator has carried out trainingin her own village plus two others.• Facilitators are providing “SpiritualCompanioning” for people in and around theircommunity to help with personal problemsolving. It is a skill also being encouraged forthe parents to use with their children andreally ‘listen’ to them. Many parents are givingthe time to their children that they did not dopreviously as they did not have the skills norunderstood the needs of their children untilthey had done this programme.• Casual opportunities such asSunday lunch or children’s classes are beingused to share the skills and results people getwhen using the virtues project.Social Welfare and Women’s Interesthave been using the Virtues Project trainedfacilitators to carry out their trainingprogrammes in the villages and communities,for example, the “Zero Tolerance”programme.‘Removing barriersthat preventcommunities fromparticipating fullyin society’

EVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCEThe reality of a desperate heartOne of the key values that lead us at Vodafone is the Passion for the WorldAround Us. The cooperation between Vodafone and the Fiji College of GeneralPractitioner’s Children’s Heart Foundation is inspired by this important value.Vodafone Fiji, through the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, supports surgeries forchildren with defective hearts.Recently a grandfather Mr Peter Tusoa Fong spoke on behalf of the manymothers whose babies have undergone heart operations in India through thedonations of the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation and the facilitation of the FijiCollege of General Practitioners. In his speech he spoke of the desperation of amother faced with a baby whose next heart beat could be its last. The candourand power of the feelings expressed in this speech affected us deeply and wefelt obliged to run much of the speech.Excerpts:I consider it a greatprivilege to be invited toexpress on behalf of thesemothers, their babies andall the family members,their very deep and sincereappreciation.And to all the kindheartedpeople who haveMr Fongcome to the rescue of theseour loved ones, our sons,our daughters and grandchildren, whom we loveso much.We all fi nd it very diffi cult in trying to fi nd wordsto put together in whatever language we speak tobest express how we feel deep down in our hearts.We went through a period of hopelessness anddiscouragement. We thought that was it. But todayyou have made us see the light at the end of thetunnel and we are so grateful indeed.It does not take much to imagine how life istaken for granted when everything is normal andnatural. There is no desperation. There is hardlyanyone who would think or take the trouble or whowants to be reminded and feel and count their heartbeats and to check the rising and falling of theirbreathing chest. And even when old age catchesup and their time on earth comes to an end, thatis very natural, accepted andtaken for granted. There is nodesperation.No one knows better thanthese mothers and those very close to the babies,the reality of a desperate heart. And no one knowsbetter than these mothers on how real and howprecious life is.Ask them and they will tell how they wouldfasten their eyes to see the rise and fall of theirbaby’s chest. They would tell you also theirdesperate but tender search for the heart beat onthe baby’s wrist. Oh! How they long very much tohear the loud clear burstof a healthy baby cry.It will be the loveliestmelody to their ears.They know deepdown in their heart, butthey may not be able toput words together toexpress how they valueand treasure the realityof the preciousness ofthe God-given life. This isthe life they are prayingfor and looking forwardto, to be a reality in theirbaby’s life when theirGroup2007200820092010First GroupSecond GroupThird GroupFirst GroupSecond GroupFirst GroupSecond GroupFirst GroupSecond GroupTop: Mothers with babies.babies come through their heart surgery in India.We shall not forget the hands and the heartthat was extended to meet ours and it shall be ourprayer that these babies, when they grow up intomanhood and womanhood, that they may alwaysremember how life was restored to them throughthe love of God in the hearts of these kind donors,and that they may likewise extend their hands tomake a difference in some babies who may needthe same assistance.DateEvacuated20/7/073/10/07Nov 2007March 20087/7/0816/8/0920/10/0924/1/1027/2/10No. ofPatients655373444CummulativeTotal61116192629333741Anyone who gets involved in seeing off or receiving these children cannot remain unaffected. Vodafoneemployees who welcomed the latest recipients of heart surgery at Nadi International Airport early on aSunday morning had this to say of their experience:For me, this isa very rewardingexperience. I nevertire of being part ofthis - true, sometimes,the time factor ischallenging, but thegratitude we get fromthe children and their parents reallymakes it worthwhile.I am always proud to be there as partof Vodafone ATH to welcome the childrenand their parents back. One just has to seetheir faces with that shy smile and humilityto understand. The relief of having gonethrough the experience and beating it isalways so evident. But it’s their gratitudethat really makes me smile because youknow - we are doing something right!Una Vaivo“The experience offeeling someone else’s sjoyand happiness swas something I feltand saw so closelyonSunday Morning.The fulfi llmentand satisfaction ofgiving back to the community, makingsomeone’s life better, the joy of havingtheir lifeline enhanced was somethingthat was depicted through the tearsstreaming down the faces of the mothersof these children.I realised fi rst-hand the differenceVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation had madein the lives of these children...I was mostproud of the commitment towards thecommunity that Vodafone has.”Alamgeer ShahI would say that Iwas overjoyed and itwas quite emotionaltosee the childrenreunite with theirfamilies after thetreatment. I felt soproud knowing that twe, Vodafone were able to help thesechildren in times of their need and bringsmiles to their faces.The appreciation of tears from thefamily members showed their gratitudetowards Vodafone’s efforts to help theneedy.I will always cherish these momentsas it will always remind me the differenceVodafone ATH Foundation is bringing topeoples life”.Eileen KumkeeThere was intrue beauty on thatSunday morning, andcourage was seenon their faces, theirsmiles and the tears intheir eyes. Even everyeffort to express theirhappiness is the harmony and dthe reliefof having gone through the experienceand the virtue that rest upon thechildren and the parents. An effort madefor the happiness of others lifts us aboveourselvesI am always proud to participatewith Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation towelcome the children and their parentsback from surgeries.Iliesa Volau6 l www.vodafone.com.fj/foundation

EVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE‘Ek dum mast mein hai’‘Ek dum mast mein hai (he is content and happy now)’, says the mother ofAyush Manish Kumar since her only son underwent heart surgery with the helpof Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation.Mother Madhu recalls the months she spent in hospital with Ayush,watching as her youngest child continued fi ghting to live.“We had lost hope - he couldn’t even drink water properly, let alone eat anice-cream,” she said, remembering vividly her two-year battling his shortnessof breath as hospital equipment monitored him.Vodafone ATH Foundation stepped in to provide the cost of surgery forAyush. Six years on, he is attending school in Natabua, happy and healthy.“We were going through diffi cult times then, building a house and lookingafter our sick son,” says Madhu, whose husband is a bus driver. “Vodafone cameto our rescue when we needed it most. Thank you.”Dancing after 12 years of pain“If ever I have money, I will donate to the Foundation so other childrenwith heart ailment can be treated,” says a grateful Subha Laxmi. Her daughterPriyanka Prakahni received heart surgery in October 2007 after battling herheart ailment for 12 years.She used to miss 50 or 60 days of school every year because of high fever,joint pains, vomiting and shortness of breath and from being admitted tohospital about four times a year with stays of up to three weeks.Today Priyanka, 15, loves dancing – something she would never have donebefore her surgery. She is an above average fourth former, logs in zero absencein school and is the pride of her mother.Such is her improvement that her mother knows that any surplus moneythe family ever makes will be donated to the Vodafone ATH Foundation to helpother mothers get a cure for their children. The family used $6000 of theirmoney towards the surgery in India.Vodafone’s Pradeep ep Lal with a mother and child‘Parents must come forward to save their children’Sleepless nights spent checking whether their baby was still breathing waspart of the life of the Kurinabili family for months. Doctors said eight-month oldRushila Nakuna Kurinabili had two-years at the most to live.Rusila, now four, has been leading a normal life since undergoing heartsurgery in India three years ago, thanks to Vodafone ATH Foundation. This is farcry from the time when she would turn dark and have a cold sweat every timeshe ate, when only daily medication kept her alive.And her parents are now urging other parents to come forward and to seekhelp for their sick children.“My advice to parents is to come forward and not to be frighten of what ishappening to their children,” says mother Ilivia Kurinabili. “In rural areas whenthe babies are sick , parents don’t come forward. They fear of what others maythink, or maybe they think they can’t afford the treatment.”Ilivia, a nurse whose husband is a farmer, remembers when the VodafoneATH Foundation came to their rescue. “We never had the kind of money to treatour daughter. It was like God helping us. The Foundation help was God-sent.”“My daughter has been provided a “second chance at life,” says Ilivia.School gets water1000 students willManufacturers. This isbenefi t from a bore holeaunique partnershipwater project at Shreewhere number of fundersVivekananda College inarejoining hands toNadi.make a difference inCommissioning thethecommunity.” “Thisproject, ATH CEO Tomasialsocomplements theTomasi VakatoraVakatora said improvedmillennium developmentwater supply leads to social and goals and increased resourceeconomic benefi ts and VodafoneATH Fiji Foundation is delighted to bepart of it.The foundation has so far givenallocation is making this happen.”Mr Vakatora said the projects aremade possible through strengthenedpartnership between the school,more than $350,000 towards families and communities assisting inthe Rotary Pacifi c Water for LifeFoundation which implements theseprojects. The cost of the SVC projectwas $25,667.62construction and installation workswith labour input and committingthemselves to good governance ofthe system after its completion.“The aim is to assist rural “Beyond argument, one of thecommunities with the provision ofsustainable, clean and safe drinkingwater,” said Mr Vakatora.“These projects are a partnershipbetween the Rotary International,major benefi ts of water and sanitationis time saving associated with betteraccess in turn increasing production,improving health and educationlevels which is a very importantVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, indicator for student pursuit toWestpac, Fiji Water and Golden excellence.”32,500 people benefit from projectThe Rotary Pacifi c Water forLife Foundation was establishedin August 2007 to provide ruralcommunities with sustainable, cleanand safe drinking water.Since then it has benefi ted 32,500people around Fiji with 88 projects tothe tune of $994,000.Another 150 projects are pendingon the islands of Viti Levu, Yasawas,Kadavu, Vanua Levu and otherislands. Project types range from theprovision of water tanks and pipingor, for the larger type, digging ofboreholes, electrical pumping intostorage tanks and reticulation intoindividual homes.All projects are a partnershipbetween the Foundation and thevillages, the former providing thefunding and the village making itspeople available for constructionand installation works and ongoingmaintenance after the completion ofthe project.Village commitment also includessetting up a water committee whichmeets regularly for the duration ofthe project and continues managingthe facility after its commissioning.Committee members also receivetechnical training in basic plumbingand maintenance.Providing water in the communityis a moral obligation says RotaryWater Pacifi c For Life Foundation’sJoel Sahai.Speaking to Jeevan, Sahai saidthat the approach the foundationtook in providing water was 100%sustainable. “We do not only providewater tanks”.Sustainability is built into theprojects with the Foundationproviding training and awarenessworkshops on water management,waste water and household rubbishdisposal, sanitation and bestpractice methods. Priority is given tocommunities which have no watersupply whatsoever, being dependenton rivers and creeks for their onlysource of supply.All applications for assistance areassessed by a Technical AdvisoryCommittee. Funding is providedfor 100 percent of the overall costof a project and to a maximum of$100,000 or a portion(s) of a projectwith a larger budget.Water & Sanitationcoverage by provinceProvinceNo.Cakaudrove 7Ba 11Kadavu 1Bua 2Namosi 3Naitasiri 3Macuata 14Tailevu 15Rotuma 1Nadroga 11Ra 18Rewa 2TOTAL 88www.vodafone.com.fj/foundation l 7

Chair reassures supportIn closing the 2009 fi nancialyear ending March 31st,Foundation chair Mr MichaelStanley reassured that theVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation willcontinue providing support forprojects promoting the health,well-being, and capabilities ofyoung people in Fiji, with a focuson building social leadershipcapacities in communities.However, he had aclear message to receivingorganizations. “My message to the receivingagencies is to utilize the funds effectively andeffi ciently to create impact, all funds to beused for the purpose it was asked for so that itopens doors for other charitable organizations.Mismanagement and misappropriation of fundscloses doors for other projects that is urgent forsocial and community development.”Stanley said the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundationwill ensure that effective monitoring andevaluation is embedded in all projects.“It is important the charitable organizationsreport on the activities undertaken and the fundsspent as opposed to the details of the signedagreement. The funds provided are to assistthe charitable partners to address communityissues as they are closer to the needs andissues pertaining to poverty, economic, socialStanley praises North commitmentVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation chair MichaelStanley did not mince his words saying “youguys do the hard work and make the difference”during his visit to the Northern Division in Januarythis year.Mr Stanley who was on a monitoring andevaluation visit was overwhelmed by the workdone by recipients of the foundation’s grant.“It’s great to hear from you the benefi ts thathas come about as a result of our funding,”said Mr Stanley, thanking people who attendedvarious consultation meetings.Mr Stanley with stakeholders in LabasaHe assured community representativescontinued support for education and otherinitiatives that fall in line with the Foundation’sfunding criteria.Community representatives expressed theirappreciation to the chair saying the foundation’shelp has uplifted lives in the North. Bulileka ExStudents Association said the aid had contributedto the betterment of Bulileka Kindergarten. “Wehave increased the number of children now andtheir learning process has become more active.”8 l www.vodafone.com.fj/foundationMr StanleyEVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCEand developmental needs ofcommunity.”“When the projects start,we need to keep in mind thatit needs to be sustained toensure the sustainability of theorganization,” Mr Stanley said.Stanley said the Foundationwas addressing the priority needsof the communities pertaining toyouth issues and reaching outwas already embedded in theirplans.“Our vision is to make a difference in the livesof people through our charity partners. Also toestablish as many relationships with charitiesthat can join hands to address the needs andissues of the Fiji Community.”“We are very passionate about our vision andefforts are being mobilized to ensure that weassist the vunerable communities in the area ofeducation, environment, health, social welfare,benefi ts through use of technology, art andculture etc.”Moving forward Stanley said “Plans are toaddress community and social issues that areimpeding the success of communities.”“We also want our customers and all relevantstakeholders to live in an environment that isstrengthened so that development can takemultiplier effects.” he said.Tabia Sanatan College said the computerdonation had made it possible for them toeducate holistically. “With the computers givento us we are now planning to offer extra classes tothose who are deprived of this new technology.Labasa Muslim College updated the chairon its Bee-Keeping project funded under DEAPprogramme. The school has fi ve double hivesproducing 90 bottles of honey per year. Revenuefrom the project has paid school fee for 11students.Khalsa College thanked the Foundation for thegrant under DEAP programme. Theschool uses money generated fromitspoultry project to assist studentsandbuy camping equipment.Head Teacher of Vuo BhartiyaSchool could not hold his excitementsaying the Foundation has done agreat job in donating computersto the school. He said it was a verymuch needed thing. “In holidays wesawillopen courses for parents”.Mr Stanley congratulated the Rotary Club ofLabasa for the work they were doing in providingwater to various communities.Lions Club of Labasa said their Sight Firstproject was very successful. An average of 2000patients is seen every year with 65 surgeries.The club said the Foundation’s contribution of$25,000 did work to the tune worth $300,000.Mr Stanley congratulated the club saying“fantastic job – congratulations to all the peoplefor making it happen.”Grants given in 2009(fi nancial year ending March 31, 2009 - UNAUDITED)Charitable OrganisationAmountKoro High School 5,000.00Lions Club of Labasa 12,500.00Vision Fiji 3,687.50Nabasovi District School 4,100.00FCGP - Children Heart Foundation 637,509.74Lions Club of Labasa 12,500.00Gospel High School 2,170.00Marist Brothers High School 3,000.00Dilkusha Methodist High 2,500.00Rampur college 3,200.00Vunimono High School 2,000.00Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa Secondary 3,000.00Naikavaki High School 2,500.00Nadi Muslim College 2,500.00Nadroga Arya College 2,450.00Sigatoka Valley High School 3,000.00Xavier College 2,500.00Drasa Secondary School 2,500.00Khalsa College 3,090.00Lautoka Muslim College 2,500.00Pt Vishnu Deo Memorial School 2,500.00Central College Lautoka 2,500.00Vatukoula Jnr Secondary School 3,000.00St Thomas School 2,500.00Natabua High School 2,000.00Early Intervention 821.50Pundit Vishnu Deo Memorial School 1,000.00Natadradave Village 3,400.00Rishikul Sanatan College 3,000.00Nakavu Village Kindergarten 5,000.00Rotary Pacifi c Water for Life Foundation 140,285.00Bocalevu Muslim Primary School 5,000.00FCOSS Microfi nance Unit 55,700.00Duke of Edinburgh Awards Programme 32,826.60Tabia Sanatan College 10,410.00Kavanagasau Sanatan Dharam School 10,410.00Nadogo Secondary School 10,410.00Swami Vivekananda College 3,000.00Ba Methodist High School 5,000.00Dilkusha Excelsior Kickers Club 8,260.00Fiji Cancer Society 1,000.00Labasa Muslim College 2,500.00Ahmadiya Muslim College 2,500.00Fiji Council Of Social Services 3,900.00Fiji Deaf Rugby Union 5,280.00Happy Home 1,000.00Harland Deaf Ministry Trust 1,000.00Fiji Disabled - Youth Group 50,220.00Veilomani Boys Home 1,000.00Sunshine Special School 1,000.00FCOSS National Volunteer Centre 80,000.00Sigatoka Crippled Children 1,000.00Lagalaga Indian School 1,000.00NVC - Vodafone Red Alert 24,000.00Batanikama Bhartiya School 4,650.00Nagigi Indian School 4,650.00Qawa Primary School 4,650.00Vuo Bhartiya School 4,650.00Daku Bhartiya School 4,650.00Vunicuicui Sanatan Dharm School 4,650.00Wainibuna Primary School 4,650.00Lomaivuna Setllement Primary School 4,650.00Khemendra Bhartiya Primary School 4,650.00Vodafone Red Alert programme 2,000.00TOTAL Grants disbursed - 2009 1,240,980.34

EVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCEFiji’s first Corporate Philanthropy SeminarSpeakers share knowledge on various aspects of ‘giving’Organisations and individuals hadan opportunity to learn from Fiji’sfi rst Corporate Philanthropic seminarorganized by the Foundation andNational Volunteer Centre. The seminarwas attended by 70 representatives fromthe business and NGO sectors, mediapartners, and relevant stakeholders.Speakers from a range of backgroundsspoke on various topic.In his opening address Fiji Councilof Social Services Executive DirectorHassan Khan said the corporate sectorwas one of the three sectors of nationalgood governance, the other two beinggovernment and civil society.Khan said the corporate sector hadbeen the key partner in the life and livingof charitable organisations.“You have been giving for a very longtime,’ he said. “Corporate sector andvoluntary sector have an inseparablepartnership. It is a give and takerelationship”He said while the contributions fromthe corporate sector are acknowledged,the social sector also does enormouswork to benefi t all.“The social sector has been theengine of growth for the Government,and the corporate sector through theprovision of educated and trained humanresources to keep the businesses runningand enhance productivity.”“We must salute the voluntary sectorin what they are giving to society. Hegave an example of more 900 schoolsin Fiji out of which not many are run byGovernment, most are managed by civilsociety organisations.Khan pointed out that the socialchallenges of rapid economictransformation demanded a greatersocial responsibility by the corporatesector as poverty was bad for business.He said FCOSS would like to see theProf. Ram Karan, Michael Stanley and FCOSS head Hassan Khanemergence of corporate values based onsocial responsibility.Professor Ram Karan from the FijiNational University spoke on CorporateSocial Responsibility as a Social andEconomic Investment. He posed thequestion to the forum that “do companieshave a social responsibility, and what isthat responsibility? Karan highlightedvarious economic theories and modelsthat have been used to explain corporatesocial responsibility in academicliteratures. The gist of his presentationnoted that for a business to operatesuccessfully it must operate in a healthysociety. “A business cannot operate in anunhealthy society,” said Karan.Olive Whippy from Westpac spoke onthe bank’s approach to community giving.“We take an integrated approach tocommunity involvement so that we canbuild our resources, skills and networkto benefi t community organisations tobring out positive social outcomes,” saidWhippy.“We have an organisationalculture built upon the values andneeds of multiple stakeholders andengage in external consultations andcommunity partnerships to deal withsocial and environmental concerns ofcommunities.”Director General of the Training andProductivity Authority of Fiji Mr JoneUsamate spoke on Corporate Productivityand how it is linked to Corporate SocialResponsibility.His presentation focused on sustainingsuperior organisational performancethrough a systems approach, customerfocus and a culture of continuousimprovement, something that is thecore of the Fiji Business Excellenceframework.He highlighted management theoriesand case studies relative to workplaceproductivity and how they related tocorporate social responsibility.Usamate emphasized that peoplewere a very important part of theorganisational setup and that employeecare was directly related to productivity.“Physical changes in an organisationdo not have enough effect on theworkers, it’s the way they feel during theirwork that matters. Giving them attentionhas proven to enhance individualproductivity.”Usamate says this is where socialresponsibility comes in. “Humanmind is the source of productivity andcorporates as part of the corporate socialresponsibility should look after theirhuman resources,” said Usamate.“The job of management is to energisethe environment so that job satisfactionin employees can take place.”“Achieving excellence is not only aboutmaking lot of money. It is about leadershipin both social and economic spheres.You have to cater for environmental andcommunity contributions.”Usamate said corporate socialresponsibility can be put into business toensure sustaibility.>> next pageProf. Ram KaranOlive WhippyJone UsamateRajeshwar Singh‘Creatingsustainablesolutions’

...Fiji’s first Corporate Philanthropy SeminarRajeshwar Singh of BristishAmerican Tobacco (BAT) spoke onEmployee Engagement in CommunityDevelopment.Singh said BAT believed in addingvalue to communities in which it operates.He said employees needed a sense ofbelonging, something they needed toassociate with apart from their routinework.“We emphasize on employeeempowerment, get involved in activitieswe believe in”. Some of the activitiesthat BAT contributes to are Clean-UpFiji Campaign, Old People’s home, andHome of Compassion to name a few.The company also formed partnershipwith Rotary Pacifi c Water for LifeFoundation and supplied water to over200 households.He said the company recentlyembarked on two employeeengagement programmes: WorkplaceGiving Programme where employeeshave agreed for a payroll deduction andwhen it is needed the funds are given forWomen needed to praisethemselves more for the amazingcontribution they make to families,communities and the country.We must all learn not to beshy of our achievements, said Mrs.Manorama Singh to the Nausori RuralWomen’s Association’s InternationalWomen’s Day Celebrations onWednesday 10 March. Mrs Singhwas invited by the Association toshare her thoughts on the status ofwomen.“I’m not suggesting we becomeboastful and proud, but rather wetalk about each other’s successesinstead of gossiping about failures.”“The supporting and caring naturethat is innate in each of us is thestrength we need to help each otherreach our goals…it’s not a hand out,10 l www.vodafone.com.fj/foundationcharity. Volunteer Paid Leave Programmewhere employees are given paid leave forvolunteer work in the community.Hamidan Bibi of University of the SouthPacifi c’s Pacifi c Leadership Programmespoke on Corporate Social Responsibilityin a Leadership Context.Bibi focused on the learning thatoccurs within the working hours. “Timethat employees spend with employersis the most important part of the 24hours. She said employers should provideleadership in providing various skills setthat are important for both at workplaceVodafone’s Shalendra Prasad handing over prizes to seminar participantsand outside work.“Leadership qualities developedat work enables individuals to betterunderstand the social environmentand contribute to community at large.She particularly mentioned skills suchas communication, motivation, teamwork, networking, healthy living, changemanagement to name a few.She said corporates have a socialresponsibility to provide leadership toemployees so that they can contributeit’s a hand up…giving each other theboost needed to scale diffi culties,”she said.“Every success takes time andcommitment, every achievementtakes dedication to a goal. I suggestthat to get the equality we so crave,we have to be able to pat ourselvesand each other on the back fi rst,before we expect others to do it.”Fiji has ratifi ed the Conventionon the Elimination of all Forms ofDiscrimination against Women,also known as CEDAW. There havebeen huge achievements aroundthe globe for Equal Rights and EqualOpportunities for our gender, but,said Mrs Singh, there are also hugegaps that still remain to be fi lled.“The goal seems far away andhard to reach when you look at it onEVERYONE CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCEeffectively to society.Dr Ponnu Goundar of the Child HeartFoundation (CHF) spoke on the CHF andhow the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundationhas helped so many children live healthierlives. He said the Foundation had givenalmost $1million for heart surgeries forchildren with defective hearts.Dr Goundar explained to seminarparticipants the process involved inevacuating patients from Fiji and the costassociated with each case.Resina Koroi of the Rotary Pacifi c Waterfor Life Foundation said philanthropy wasabout the love of mankind. She said thefour local companies that support thewater project, Fiji Water Foundation,Vodafone, Westpac, and GoldenManufactures are examples of goodcorporate social responsibility.“They contribute $150,000 each yeartowards our programme for the last twoyears.”She said the foundation accounted forevery cent they spend on projects.She urged other organisation to comeup, sponsor, and own projects done bythe foundation. Koroi said the Foundationalso ran training on water management.Media Consultant Verleshwar Singhspoke on Strategic Philanthropy andPublicizing Giving.Singh asked companies to be strategicin their giving by striking a commonground between business and socialresponsibility.“Any giving that does not make asocial impact is useless. It is importantthat we create both social and economicimpact in our philanthropic executions,”said Singh.He said other organisations shouldlearn from Vodafone on how corporatesocial responsibility should be practised.Hamidan BibiDr Ponnu GoundarResina KoroiVerleshwar SinghWomen challenged to change, appreciate themselvesVodafone’s VdsMManorama aSSingh hllighting gccandle at the celebrationsa global llevel, l even at national llevel.l our nation.”But right here in Nausori, amongst “We should be able to stand upyour sisters, I believe we can achieve tall and say, ‘Yes, I did that and I’mgreat things. Even on a local scale, very proud of it because it took hardwe can act and be the change we work and perseverance.’ And wewant to see in our community and must persist at it.” Mrs Singh said.

Passion for the Vanuaby Aslam KhanFast-tracking the Red Alert Programmefor Cyclone TomasThe Vodafone Red Alert programme was to be launched on April 1, 2010 by allVodafone companies worldwide. In Fiji, the programme was fast-tracked because wesaw an immediate need after Cyclone Tomas devastated parts of the country.We quickly responded to the call for help by launching this programme. TheVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation contributed F$10,00.0. We also received support fromVodafone Group Foundation - £10,000, Vodafone New Zealand - NZ$10,000 andVodafone Australia - A$10,000. To make the programme more effective, we haveplans to advise our customers through SMS broadcast and not-for-profit campaigns.Customers and stakeholders of Vodafone Fiji Limited can help others by makingSMS donation and becoming part of the energy working to rebuild lives in Fiji. Theprocess is very transparent and involves all relevant stakeholders including VodafoneGroup Foundation. The Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation is engaged into partnershipwith us, ensuring the transparency, accountability and governance aspects of thisprogramme.My personal vision for this programme is to be able to assist the communities ofFiji during this disaster and engaging the stakeholders in helping those who needimmediate disaster relief to recuperate from the damages. We sincerely hope thiswill help them get their lives back to normal.Vodafone Red Alert complements the passion, values and strategies of all of uswho are involved. We continue to provide support to the Vanua. However, a nationalemergency such as Cyclone Tomas is a time when those affected need our supportmore keenly. We are achieving this by a simple and satisfying process – the givingby customers to fellow customers.Words from Foundation DirectorsSince I have come on board as Chair, I havewitnessed the hardwork put in by charitableorganisations in the areas of health, environment,education and youths, enhancing sustainablerelationships between corporate, civil society andother stakeholders. This is indeed making positiveimpact to local communities ... building trust andrelations with our charity partners and communities--- Michael Stanley, Chair and TrusteeBeing one of the donor to the foundation andseeing the changes being brought about in thecommunities of Fiji indeed gives me satisfaction.Our small Fiji is capable of doing wonders and littlesupport turns lives of communities. At heart we areable to engage with the communities where ourcustomers, employees, investors and suppliers live.We want to extend the benefi ts of technology tocommunities where we operate ... help protect thenatural environment of Fiji --- Tomasi Vakatora,Vice Chair and Trustee.I was able to bestow all my passion for children’shealth through the foundation and farewellingand welcoming childrens at the airport was anaffectionate event. Love to parents whose childrenare sick --- Manorama Singh, Trustee2009 was a challenging year for the foundationwhen the trustees embraced better fi nancialgovernance practices within and amongst ourcharity partners. Theproject took a sustainabilityand visibility turn makingsignifi cant interventions toeffective grant managementinturn building the capacitiesof charitable partners. Therewas good distribution of fundsin major thematic areas. Lets make a world ofdifference --- Divik Deo, TrusteeWitnessing the hard workof charitable organisations andvolunteers kept me being veryclose to the foundation. I takemy hats off for the volunteerswho got engaged to helpthose who needed assistance.Together we can help you helpothers --- Ateen Kumar, TrusteeBeing able to be ofassistance to the communitiesof the west and Virtues Fijidoing the outreach on instillingvirtues in children, parents,families and communities, mypassion for the unfortunatesare being realised in the west ...lets join hands and take the power of empoweringour communities --- Antonio Kitione, Trusteewww.vodafone.com.fj/foundation l 112004-2009$7million social investment in FijiSince inception, the Foundation hasdisbursed direct grant of $5.5m and indirectgrant of $1.5 million to 219 community basedprojects whilst partnering with more than 150organizations.In 2003 through support from VodafoneGroup Foundation $184,000 was disbursedto two charity organizations to help peopleaffected by cyclone Ami. In 2004, the foundationmade grant of $472,000 to 24 partner charityorganizations. With contribution of $638,000it endorsed grants to 30 community projectsin 2005. Majority of contributions were beingreceived from Vodafone Group Foundation.In 2006, 29 organizations received close to$793,000 to execute activities in communitiesthat would enrich lives. 2007 showed anincreased need in area of health and total of$F1.3 million were made to 36 civil societyorganizations, including UNICEF, contributingto millennium development and strengtheningpartnership with UNDP on global space.Dominated by the need in education sector,$931,000 worth of grants was made to 48community-based organizations includingschools in 2008. 2009 saw a signifi cant increasein grant disbursements with total of $1.24mgiven to over 50 charity organisations.Grant Distribution by Year‘Social Investment’At the heart ofour business’

Know your WoD programmeThe World of Difference programmebeing launched is global in scopeand local in focus. Globally total ofmore than 700 world of differencecandidates are making difference in18 Vodafone Foundations. The WoDProgramme is all about fi nding 36passionate people who want to helpcharities for a year, and get paid todo it in Fiji. A maximum $10,000 totalexpense allowance will be paid tocover necessary personal expensesof the successful applicant ensuringtheir welfare in connection with thecompletion of the tasks for which theyhave been employed (“Expenses”),ensuring capacity building.The world of difference programmefunds will be used to ‘tie talent’ intothe third sector, proving signifi cantenhancement to the charitableinvestment. This is to empower thosepeople to take opportunities that theywouldn’t normally be able to do so withpersonal funding. World of Differenceallows anyone between the age of 18-45 to bring their talent and passion toa charity.The candidates’ selection is in twofolds; short term attachment for a periodof 4 months to long terms assignmentupto a year. The duration determinesthe programme assignment wherepossible to enhance the main fl agshiplonger placements. The funds areavailable for both employees andcandidates from the wider communityto execute social and economicdevelopment activities in all thematicareas addressing the burning issuesand concerns in Fiji.The process is as follow:May 1st –Call for Expression ofinterestJune 11th – Application closesJuly 9th – Call for interviewsAugust 6 – Selection of WoDCandidatesAugust 13th – Assignment toCharitable OrganizationsDecember 9th – 1st AssignmentcompletedJanuary 14th – Handover reports oncommunity and charity attachmentexperienceAugust 13th to January 14th 2011– ongoing community experiencereporting in line with the WoD CommsThe candidates will be required tosubmit the completed applicationforms (available on www.vodafone.com.fj/WoDFiji or pick from VodafoneATH Headquarter @168 PrincesRoad Tamavua and Vodafone Retailoutlets). The completed applicationforms to accompany copy of briefCV on the qualifi cation, work andcommunity experience. The potentialapplicants are also to provide a recentphotograph and reference from atleast one charity organization. Criteriafor application checklist also need tobe completed. Incomplete applicationforms will not be accepted.Find out detailed information atwww.vodafone.com.fj/WoDFiji .World of Difference official Launchon 27th April, 2010.What we support?Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation willsupport programme within the 8 subjectfocus based on the annual strategymeeting outcome to address specificat heart/most priority need of FijiCommunity. We invite applications forprojects from Fiji based not for profitcharitable civil society organizationswhich is innovative and encourages socialleadership.Who can apply?Registered charities may apply all yeararound; consequently decision will bemade by the board of directors duringits meetings. Organizations can downloadand fill out the Foundation applicationforms at www.vodafone.com.fj/foundationsand email it to the Foundation Executiveand Company Secretary at foundation@vodafone.com.fj or send through mail toVodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, PrivateMail Bag, Suva or drop at 168 PrincesRoad Suva.Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation168 Princes Road, SuvaPh: 321 4270email: ambalika.kutty@vodafone.comWorld of Difference36 volunteersare needed for the World of Difference ProgrammeAchieve your dream & get paidApplications open May 1, 2010