Twelve schools and a youth group involved in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme (DEIA) in the Western Division today (Thurs 24/10) signed an agreement with Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation.
The agreement will see the Vodafone ATH Foundation assist the schools in their DEIA programs through a grant to assist with their income generating projects. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme is internationally recognized and is the world’s leading youth achievement Award.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports coordinates the program with support from the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts through respective participating Secondary Schools and youth clubs.
Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Executive Officer Ms. Ambalika Kutty, while speaking to the teachers and Ministry officials reiterated the Foundation’s support for the DEIA programme.
“We are pleased to be playing a role in youth development and show our commitment through the grants and the signing of the agreements reaffirms our commitment towards the development of our young people under the Duke of Edinburgh International Award” she said.
Youth senior coordinator west Jemesa Delana said the Foundation has been very supportive of the DEIA programme in the Western schools.
“The 12 schools signing the agreement grant today are spread out over the Western Division and run their individual programmes under the Award” Mr. Delana said.
“The grant when disbursed will help the recipient schools with their income generating and related projects under grant thematic areas of economic empowerment, youth, women, health, education, poverty alleviation and food security” he adds.
DEIA Award leader and Tilak High School teacher Ms Anita Kumar was happy with the grant and the timely assistance.
“I am grateful for the grant opportunity from the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation as it would assist the schools in their DEIA program and help in the holistic development of the students. I also thank the Ministry of Youth and Sports and acknowledge the implementation of DEIA in schools as it provides life skills training outside the academic classroom” she said.
This is the second time Vodafone ATH Foundation had assisted Western Division DEIA schools. The first was in 2014 where 19 schools were assisted with $2,500.00 each. The 12 schools signing the agreement today will receive the same amount.