Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji

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Fenc Fiji is a non-political, not-for-profit, cause-oriented, voluntary organisation with a mission to provide education and related support to the under priviledged children of the Fiji Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY DID Fenc Fiji START?

From a low of less than 10% in the 1970’s, in today’s Fiji, the total number of people living below the poverty line is close to 40%. Over 10% of Fiji’s children aged 5 – 14 years do not attend school. More than 50% of those completing primary school do not have the opportunity to attend secondary school. Income inequalities in Fiji remain deep: the poorest 20% of Fiji’s people receive only 6% of the national income while the richest 20% receive 48% of the national income. A large proportion of the poor, while in full time employment, constitute the “working poor”; 55% of the wage earners earn incomes below the poverty line. The long term sustainable solution to poverty is not charity; it is through increased access to opportunities to earn incomes ie. through economic growth and employment.

The People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress, through Pillar 8, seeks to reduce poverty to a negligible level by 2015. In this context Fenc Fiji is a major national initiative; one that seeks to mobilize active support of all those who care about Fiji and its people: to enable the poorest of the poor to get out of the clutches of poverty.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT Fenc Fiji PROGRAMME?

Our programme is unique because of the nationwide and holistic approach we have adopted; and because of our focus on the poorest of the poor. We give contributing individuals the opportunity to support education of the poorest of the poor in Fiji. When you choose to support our Child Education Support Programme, you have the comfort of knowing that your donation is going exactly where it will make a difference. This means so much more than just writing a cheque and not knowing if it will have the intended impact. We have recognized that to bring long-lasting improvements to children’s lives we need to address the needs of the poorest families in the wider community. We talk to family members, community leaders, parents and children. We actively listen and find ways and means to respond to their needs of the poorest of the poor. Together, we plan what would most benefit the children and their families.

HOW Fenc Fiji FINANCES ITS OPERATING AND ADMINISTRATION COSTS?

Fenc Fiji has established a small Support Secretariat and has appointed a full-time National Coordinator. To date, Fenc Fiji has relied on teams of volunteers to accomplish a wide range of tasks to get Fenc Fiji established and operational. In addition to its small office in Suva (to serve as Fenc Fiji Headquarters, and also to handle Fenc Fiji operations for the Central and Eastern Division); Fenc Fiji will need to establish an office in Lautoka (for its operations in the Western Division); and in Labasa (for its operations in the Northern Division).

The Board of Trustees of Fenc Fiji has declared its commitment to ensuring that Fenc Fiji will vigorously and consistently adhere to the principles of volunteerism; and ensure transparency, accountability and sound governance in Fenc Fiji operations, organisation and management. In particular, in regard to the administrative staffing and related overheads costs, the Board of trustees has decided that these costs will be capped at 7.5%. The contributions of individuals and organizations including that of the Government of Fiji, shall be utilized for the programmes and activities of Fenc Fiji, not to finance administrative costs.

To finance Fenc Fiji administration costs, specific fund-raising efforts will be made for this purpose.

DO YOU WORK IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

Fenc Fiji is a Values Driven Organisation. Where our values and visions are compatible with those of other organizations, we will work collaboratively to achieve change in the interest of people we serve and for mutual partnership.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?

We categorise our services under three headings: Child Education Support Services, Related Activities and Data Base on the poorest of the poor. There is a page describing each of these in the services section of our website. The provision of basic supplies for the poorest children is an essential element of the education process. The intention is to keep them in school for as long as possible through a consistent support programme.

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

To reduce poverty to a negligible level through the provision of educational support and related activities to the poorest children.

We will achieve this by:

Implementing research, awareness and educational support programmes in conjunction with professionals, institutions and agencies.

Initiating cutting edge programmes that produce short as well as medium and long term results.
Providing a network of education, care and support for the poorest children and their families
We also aim to create public discussion on how best we can help not only the poorest children but their families as well.

Family strengthening, training, developing community learning centres and counseling will be developed around the poorest of families to help improve their lifestyles and structures that will remain to assist the poor in the community. Emphasis will be placed on extending enabling support through various practical ways and means for the poorest of the poor to seize opportunities to help themselves rather than to get increasingly dependent on charity.

HOW DO I CONTRIBUTE?

You may do this by completing the Fenc Fiji Pledge Form and also the Accountability and Disclosure Form and by remitting your contribution directly to the Fenc Fiji Bank Account in Suva, Fiji.

To do this Click here

DO I GET A RECEIPT FOR MY DONATION?

All contributions will be acknowledged through Fenc Fiji website.

Fenc Fiji will provide tax receipts for your personal tax purposes. Please note that for Fiji tax paying individuals and organizations, your contribution to Fenc Fiji will give you tax exemption benefits for contributions upto $1,000.00.

WHAT DO I GET IN RETURN FOR MY CONTRIBUTION?

Contributing to a worthy cause is a very personal way to show support for deprived children. You can learn about a culture very different to your own and gain an insight into the lives of children growing up in the poorest communities. You will see the difference you are helping to make. We want you to be part of the change we want to bring about for the poorest of the poor.

We will provide you with regular programme updates and the progress of the children on our programme.

WHY DOESN’T MY MONEY GO TO ONE CHILD ALONE?

Your money is pooled with all other contributions and goes towards scholarships for individual children across the country. This allows for efficient management of the funds. Should you prefer to sponsor a child, just complete the Child Sponsorship Form and we will get back to you.

For more info Click here

"BE A FINANCIAL SUPPORTER"

Updated: 23/02/2010