While everyone was probably planning what to wear for the USPSA (Laucala) and ISA socials last during the weekend. A great bunch of youths and friends were busy on Wednesday at Sukuna Park for a Bottled Water Drive in aid of Tuvalu.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Avatoa Irata was present on the day and said the water problem in his country was critical.
The crisis has worsened because the public storage is running out. It is not just Funafuti but other parts of the Island that is experiencing water problems. Tuvalu has been without water for six months and there’s still no sign of rain. More of the elderly are being hospitalized as a result of dehydration as they gave up their share of the water for the children. There are also cases of diarrhoea, thyphoid and other diseases because of the unsafe drinking water and school are running low on classes. Only the classes with external exams are schooling.
We had many young people donating bottled water with the likes of USPSA Laucala, Wantok Moana, Geography Students and the Land Management Students Association. The drive was in honor of the Water Crisis in Tuvalu. Every bottle counts. The youths joined hands to contribute to this worthy cause. This show of unity was a demonstration to the world that no matter what turmoils and difficulties that we, Pacific Islanders go through, the solidarity remains intact for we all belong to ONE ocean, and we are all ONE people.
A very warm welcome was extended to the Tuvalu Community of Suva and the Tuvalu Students Association who attended the drive and was very grateful for the initiative set up by the youths.
80% of the people donating bottled water were young people who gave up their time to help out for a worthy cause. Imagine if more young people had the same mindset, and dedicated just an hour or two of their time in a day or even a week to help others. So much could be accomplished. Who knows what young people can come up with?
Majority of the youths consisted of USP students and contributed in their own special way. The Tuvalu Students Association dazzled the stage with a traditional dance. Rusiate & Brothers, winners of USP’s Got Talent performed on the day. Tihati Devoe, a finalist USP’s Got Talent Show, also performed his track along with Natalie Raikadroka, MIC finalist. Yet another group of youths utilizing their talents to support something they believe in. This is definitely an eye opener for other youths. Use what you have to make a difference.
There were also donations from many organizations such as The Bank of the South Pacific, KPMG, Japanese Embassy, TFL, ADRA Fiji (YDH), Corpus Christi Teachers, Office Products, Shipping Services Limited and many other individual donations from family and friends.
In all over 5000 litres of water was collected and and well over $1000 was donated. The Econesian Society has shipped off 320 cartons of water to our brothers and sisters in Tuvalu.
A round of applause to the youth for their hard work and taking the initiative to extend a hand to help our neighbours in Tuvalu. Keep shining your light.
2 comments:
It was very heart warming to see these youth take the initiative and help our Tuvaluan counterparts. It is necessary for everyone to help our fellow human beings in need especially in such trying times for the sake of humanity.
I however do not agree with your comment "While everyone was probably planning what to wear for the USPSA (Laucala) and ISA socials last during the weekend" while many were probably doing this there may have been many others who were doing some other kind of good work like teaching orphans to read or cooking for street kids.
Apart from that very good entry, look forward to your next one!
Post a Comment