A memorandum of understanding signed between the Fijian Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Korean Government in 2018 has allowed three villages in Viti Levu to benefit from the Saemaul Undong (SMU) Pilot Village Project.

The three project sites – Mau Village in Namosi, Naimasimasi and Silana Village in Tailevu were earmarked for the project to be rolled out over the course of five years, commencing from 2020 to 2024, targeting SMU training and village development projects.

The Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports, Mr Rovereto Nayacalevu visited one of the Saemaul Undong (SMU) Pilot Village Project sites at Mau village in Namosi province yesterday (26.10.21).

The Turaga-Ni-Koro (Village Headman) Ananaisa Roko and the SMU Project Coordinator, Mr Chang Han Cheong accompanied PS Nayacalevu and his delegation from the Ministry to visit the village project sites.

Home to 642 villagers, youth members have taken the lead in construction works for these development projects and this has been evident in Mau Village with the construction of a new community hall, footpath, railway bridge and a residence for the village church minister which also serves as the village Evacuation Centre.

SMU Project Coordinator, Mr Cheong said the Korean Government has funded FJD 50,000 towards each village project.

SMU refers to any community development movement, which builds a village or community to improve villagers’ quality of life-based on the spirits of diligence, self-help and cooperation, and approaches by the villagers