Fiji Council Of Social Services (FCOSS)

Civil Society Forum of Tonga and PIANGO Pacific 2030 released the Mamaloa Reflections at the 2024 Pacific Peoples Forum's closing in Nukualofa, Tonga yesterday.
The Mamaloa Reflections is the outcome of the 8-day programme run by the two civil organisations in the lead up to and alongside the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Approximately 100 participants from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands,
Vanuatu, West Papua and Tongan communities of Eua, Tongatapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai contributed to discussions centered on:
1. Debt and Public Finance Management
2. Solidarity with Marginalized Populations
3. Climate Change and Community Agency
4. Human Rights and Self-Determination
5. Governance and Development Effectiveness
6. Localisation and Rural/Island Communities
7. Health & Sustainable Education
8. Stewardship of the OCEAN
9. Climate Justice and Accelerated Humanitarian Response for Disaster and Climate Financing
DCOSS Coordination and Support Global Compassion Sai Prema Foundation Fiji Fiji Council of Churches The Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations Inc - SUNGO Development Services Exchange Vanuatu Association of NGOs Bread for the World Regional Office Pacific UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji European Union in the Pacific Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs United Nations Association of Fiji Affinity Group of National Associations - AGNA CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation Cook Islands Civil Society Organizations Inc HelpAge International Asia Pacific Forus international femLINKpacific Balance of Power Soqosoqo Vakamarama i Taukei Archdiocese of Suva Matangi Tonga Online Fiji Sun RNZ Pacific Free West Papua Campaign Sepesa Caralalavanua Rasili Vani Tuvuki Qanaika Vani Catanasiga

Lessgoooo Pacific people!

🚨 Building Community Resilience Against Scams: A Must for Every Fijian!

As part of National Scam Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the growing threat of scams and how we can protect ourselves and our communities. From Ponzi schemes to scams through mobile money, these fraudulent activities can have devastating effects, leading to financial loss, emotional distress, and a breakdown of trust.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Understand the Threat: Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Whether it's through phishing, identity theft, or investment fraud, anyone can be a target.

2. Empower Yourself: Stay informed! Attend workshops, improve your digital literacy, and always use trusted sources for online transactions. Simple steps like these can make a huge difference.

3. Community is Key: Leaders, local organizations, and social networks play a crucial role in spreading awareness and providing support. Let’s unite to protect each other!

4. Organizational Safeguards: At FCOSS, we have robust policies, checks and balances, and reporting channels in place to prevent fraud. We’re committed to transparency and accountability.

5. Learn from Experience: During our COVID-19 response, scammers falsely posed as FCOSS representatives, leading to our swift action in raising awareness and educating the community. Remember, always verify information from trusted sources.

This important message was shared by Josaia Tokoni, at the event. We were also honored to have FCOSS Vice President, Mr. Laitia Rika in attendance.

Together, we can build a resilient community that is informed, vigilant, and united against scams. Stay alert, spread the word, and let's protect our loved ones from falling victim to fraud.

Great sentiments expressed here by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka but these may have been articulated AFTER the CSO dialogue and not during as only Federated States of Micronesia made an intervention during the CSO-Leaders question and answer session.
Fiji and Pacific CSOs however appreciate the work being done by the Hon PM To support their efforts for people centered resilience in Fiji and the region.
Fiji One News Fiji Sun femLINKpacific Pacific Islands Forum

People Centered Resilience is thr focus of the week-long and a bit, Pacific Peoples Forum organised by our sister organisation, Civil Society Forum of Tonga.
DCOSS Coordination and Support

Wooohoooo Lessgoooo Ladies!
PIANGO Pacific 2030 Balance of Power femLINKpacific Soqosoqo Vakamarama i Taukei ChildFund Australia RedR Australia International Republican Institute (IRI) Vani Catanasiga Emeline Ilolahia UN Women Pacific DCOSS Coordination and Support Bread for the World Regional Office Pacific Australia in Fiji Vani Tuvuki Qanaika

Civil Society Forum of Tonga kickstarted the Peoples Forum with a Debt Symposium in Nukualofa today, ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting next week.
Co-hosted with the PIANGO Pacific 2030, the Peoples Forum is expected to cover themes such as Self Determination, Ocean Management, Climate Change and Disasters, Elimination of Violeance Against Women and many more.
Fiji Council Of Social Services (FCOSS) executive director, Vani Catanasiga featured alongside speakers from Jubilee Australia, PANG and others in today's Debt Symposium programme.
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Fiji Council of Churches Balance of Power Bread for the World Regional Office Pacific

Today, the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) stands with thousands of humanitarian organizations and stakeholders to honor the courage, compassion, and tireless dedication of those who deliver lifesaving support across our nation.

In recent years, Fiji has faced numerous humanitarian challenges, from devastating natural disasters to health emergencies. These events have left communities grappling not only with immediate impacts but also with long-lasting aftereffects. Many vulnerable communities might have been forgotten if not for the unwavering commitment of individuals and organizations who stepped up during these critical times.

For 67 years, FCOSS has been proud to contribute to these efforts. Through the voluntary contributions of our diverse membership, our District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) network, the strategic input from our National NGO members, and the vital partnerships with key development partners, we have empowered thousands of community volunteers to Act with Humanity. Together, we've provided essential services during crises—whether natural disasters, health emergencies, or political instability—and tirelessly advocated for access to vital resources and support.

To everyone who has selflessly contributed to humanitarian efforts in Fiji—supporting families, communities, the forgotten, the voiceless, and the vulnerable—FCOSS salutes you!

To our DCOSS DRR volunteers, you’ve honored the dignity of those you served, often without financial incentive, and truly Acted with and for Humanity. Thank you for setting an inspiring example for the rest of Fiji to follow.



FFiji NDMOAAustralia in FijiCChildFund AustraliaPPacific Resilience PartnershipPPIANGO Pacific 2030ffemLINKpacificUUNICEF

🌟 Central DCOSS Heads Convene to Strengthen Partnership Brokering

We were thrilled to convene an impactful meeting of Central DCOSS Heads and our esteemed partners to discuss partnership brokering, an essential aspect of our collective mission. The objective was clear: to gather the wealth of knowledge from our community leaders within the FCOSS network who are already spearheading social work initiatives within their communities.

Our discussions focused on creating partnerships rooted in trust and accountability. One of the key outcomes was the emphasis on formalizing these partnerships through written agreements, ensuring that all parties are aligned in their commitment to elevating our communities. Such agreements are not just about formalities—they are crucial tools for holding ourselves accountable and providing a clear record for the communities we serve.

Participants expressed their satisfaction with the discussions, highlighting how they were able to leverage their diverse capacities to create a template agreement. This template will serve as a living document, evolving as we continue to build and strengthen our partnerships.

We were honored to have the following leaders in attendance:
- Wati Vakaloloma and Kolinisau Tess of Suva DCOSS
- Taufa Qoro St John and Maria Camilla Colati of Lami DCOSS
- Ananai Nice of Rewa DCOSS
- Knoxy Salsa Cortez of Nausori DCOSS
- Cama Nadi of Moala DCOSS
- Antwone Andy Fisher of Nasinu DCOSS
- Vipin Shahil Maharaj of the UN Association of Fiji
- Rani from the Lupus Foundation

A special thank you to Iconi Consultancy and Balance of Power for their invaluable support.

Together, we are building a stronger, more accountable community network! 🤝✨

One more day to nominate!
Get yours in DCOSS Coordination and Support !

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - SAUTU WOMEN IN DRR & CLIMATE RESILIENCE AWARDS 📌

The Sautu Women in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience Awards Night is an initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of women and resilience-building efforts in the face of disasters and climate change.

Organised by the Fiji NDMO, the Fiji Council Of Social Services (FCOSS), and UN Women through the Women’s Resilience to Disaster (WRD) Programme funded by 🇦🇺DFAT, this event seeks to highlight the pivotal role of women in fostering volunteerism, communal care, and hybrid approaches to humanitarian leadership in natural disasters and climate change.

⭕️ Click on the link ⬇️ to complete the nomination form:

✅ https://bit.ly/SautuWomen

⭕️ NOMINATIONS CLOSE: 09 AUGUST, 2024

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Congratulations Fiji Council of Churches !

all the way to the ISA with the Civil Society Forum of Tonga !

🌊 Tonga at the 29th Session of the International Seabed Authority 🌊

The Head of the Tonga Delegation, H.E Va‘inga Tōnē, has delivered a statement at the Assembly of the 29th Session of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica.

H.E Va‘inga Tōnē noted, “Tonga remains committed to a precautionary approach to sustainable development, which balances environmental protection measures with the sustainable use of our natural resources. We look forward to the adoption of the draft exploitation regulations, which will provide a robust system for activities conducted in the Area.”

Civil Society commends the emphasis on the precautionary approach in the Tongan Delegation’s country statement at the ISA meeting. However, in order to truly give effect to that approach and safeguard the ocean we depend on for life, we believe it is crucial for Tonga to join the growing international moratorium movement on deep-sea mining. CSFT alongside the communities of Tonga calls on the Government of Tonga to follow through on balancing environmental protection with the sustainable use of our natural resources, in line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Stand alongside our Pasifiki family, and vote for a Moratorium on Deep Sea Mining to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of our ocean for the benefit of all humanity now and into the future. 🌏💙

Front: H.E Va’inga Tōnē
Back L to R: two representatives from Tongan Government and PelenaTita Longopoa from CSFT.

FCOSS commends the initiative by the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji and UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji and congratulates the women participants of the program.

We are particularly proud of the members of the FCOSS and DCOSS Coordination and Support networks participating in this program.

These women, who are community volunteers and often heads or executives of our DCOSS from the western and central divisions, work tirelessly with vulnerable communities, including rural farming communities, single mothers, s*x workers, climate-impacted communities, and youth.

Many of these participants have been part of our Women's Leadership Pipeline programme, supported by Balance of Power.

This program was established to ensure that a diverse group of women, with lived experiences, integrity, and the right motivation, are supported in realizing their leadership potential at various levels—from community to sub-national and eventually to national level.

FCOSS recognizes that for governance in Fiji to be improved and sustainable, it requires leaders with lived experiences and authenticity.

Leaders who are driven not by financial gain but by compassion.

We believe that women from communities, who have volunteered for decades to support the voiceless, marginalized, and vulnerable, have demonstrated leadership competencies that have been missing from national-level leadership for far too long.

Outcome Statement from the Aged and Care Work in Disaster and Climate-Impacted Fiji Roundtable

On June 26th, 2024, the Fiji Council of Social Services and The Asia Foundation conducted a roundtable in Suva, bringing together over 70 community leaders from across Fiji's four divisions. The focus was on enhancing care and support for older persons in the face of disasters and climate impacts. The discussions produced critical outcomes and recommendations under various sub-themes:

Improving Social Protection:
- Equitable distribution of resources.
- Climate-resilient infrastructure in aged care.
- Integration of climate strategies in care plans.
- Energy-efficient and eco-friendly aged care services.
- Partnerships with donor agencies for enhanced programs.

Strengths-Based Care Approaches:
- Surveys and workshops on living conditions and well-being.
- Education and faith-based initiatives to restore respect for the aged.
- Monthly allowances for community care providers.
- Grassroots awareness campaigns on personal rights.

Community-Based Care Systems:
- Climate and gender justice to meet basic needs.
- Expanded social safety nets.
- Training, funding, emotional support, and increased allowances.

Changing Attitudes and Systems:
- Accessible health services and effective communication.
- Advocacy for gender justice, mental health support, and traditional knowledge.
- Health home visits and community health facilities.
- Older Persons curriculum, financial support, and end-care facilities.
- Ongoing research and data collection.

Call for Government Action:
Mr. Joseph FFatiaki Lowthe president of Tavua DCOSS and a retired civil servant, highlighted the urgent need for government action. He urged the allocation of resources specifically to care for older persons and proposed the establishment of a dedicated government department mandated to safeguard their interests and welfare.

Watch full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVsnRLr5b04

These efforts underscore the necessity for collaboration across all sectors—government, civil society, private sector, and communities—to ensure dignity for Fiji's older population amidst disaster and climate change impacts.

Tavua District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) Created with CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/s/CTtk_OftECn683Mb/

📢 Fiji Community Voices Segment! 🇫🇯
As we gear up for the upcoming 2024-2025 National Budget, it's time for our voices to be heard loud and clear. Our communities matter, and it's crucial that our concerns are addressed for a better tomorrow.

🌟 Fiji Community Voices: Vatulele, Nadroga on the Upcoming National Budget 🌟

🌿 Sera Musunamasi of Vatulele DCOSS shares the heartfelt struggles faced by the villages in Vatulele after the devastation of TC Harold. The storm severely damaged their local infrastructure, including the solar panels crucial to their rural electrification programme.

🚨 Since then, there has been no assistance from the government to repair or replace these panels. Sera is calling on the government to address this urgent need, as these solar panels are vital for ensuring students have proper lighting to study in the evenings and for powering mobile phones—their only means of communication with the outside world due to the island's remoteness.

📢 With the Budget Debate starting today, Sera hopes to see this issue addressed in this year's budget. Let's bring light back to Vatulele! 🌞

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ5RTNqnsAQ

Vatulele District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) Created with CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/s/CTtk_OftECn683Mb/

📢 Fiji Community Voices Segment! 🇫🇯

As we gear up for the upcoming 2024-2025 National Budget, it's time for our voices to be heard loud and clear. Our communities matter, and it's crucial that our concerns are addressed for a better tomorrow.

🌟 Fiji Community Voices: Cuvu, Nadroga on the Upcoming National Budget 🌟

In our ongoing segment, Fiji Community Voices, we highlight the aspirations and challenges faced by our communities as we approach the National Budget.

Today, we hear from Rovil Singh the Chairperson of NADROGA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE (DCOSS) who emphasizes the need for increased investment in health facilities and medical services, especially in rural areas where the most vulnerable populations reside. Additionally, Rovil calls on the government to support the agriculture sector and provide assistance to those working in it to help cushion the high cost of living.

🏥 Investing in Health Facilities and Medical Services for Rural Areas

🌾 Supporting Agriculture and Assisting Farmers

Rovil's message underscores the importance of prioritizing healthcare and agriculture to improve the quality of life for all Fijians.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx5gfcXAkYM

Let's come together and support our community’s plea for essential resources and a better quality of life.

Nadroga District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) Created with CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/s/CTtk_OftECn683Mb/

📢 Fiji Community Voices Segment! 🇫🇯

As we gear up for the upcoming 2024-2025 National Budget, it's time for our voices to be heard loud and clear. Our communities matter, and it's crucial that our concerns are addressed for a better tomorrow.

🌟 Fiji Community Voices: Waikerekere in Lami on the Upcoming National Budget 🌟

In our ongoing segment, Fiji Community Voices, we highlight the aspirations and challenges faced by our communities as we approach the National Budget.

Today, we hear from Maria Camilla Colati, the Vice Chairperson for Lami DCOSS, who shares how climate change is impacting their infrastructure in Waikerekere, Lami. The increasing severity of climate events is damaging vital infrastructure, and the community is calling on the government to prioritize climate-resilient infrastructure in the upcoming budget.

🌿 Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future

Maria emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions to protect their homes, schools, and essential services from the adverse effects of climate change.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TYpzWPZKLg

Let's come together and support our community’s plea for essential resources and a better quality of life.

Waikerekere Settlement, Lami District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) Created with CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/s/CTtk_OftECn683Mb/

📢 Fiji Community Voices Segment! 🇫🇯

As we gear up for the upcoming 2024-2025 National Budget, it's time for our voices to be heard loud and clear. Our communities matter, and it's crucial that our concerns are addressed for a better tomorrow.

🌟 Fiji Community Voices: Nadroga DCOSS on the Upcoming National Budget 🌟

In our ongoing segment, Fiji Community Voices, we highlight the aspirations and challenges faced by our communities as we approach the National Budget.

Today, we hear from Amelia Bai, Vice President of Nadroga DCOSS and a member of the Fiji Disabled People's Federation (FDPF) - Sigatoka Branch. Amelia shares a pressing concern about the amount of social welfare assistance provided by the government for people with disabilities. Currently, they receive $104 per month, which is insufficient to cover basic groceries and utility bills.

💸 Reviewing Social Welfare Assistance for People with Disabilities

Amelia is urging the government to review and increase the social welfare assistance for people with disabilities to better match the rising cost of living.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwecwbrNTyc

Let's come together and support our community’s plea for essential resources and a better quality of life.

Nadroga District Council of Social Services Created with CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/s/CTtk_OftECn683Mb/

📢 Fiji Community Voices Segment! 🇫🇯

As we gear up for the upcoming 2024-2025 National Budget, it's time for our voices to be heard loud and clear. Our communities matter, and it's crucial that our concerns are addressed for a better tomorrow.

🌟 Fiji Community Voices: Vatulele DCOSS on the Upcoming National Budget 🌟

In our ongoing segment, Fiji Community Voices, we highlight the aspirations and challenges faced by our communities as we approach the National Budget.

Today, we hear from the Turaga ni Koro of Ekubu, who shares a critical concern from Vatulele: access to water. Vatulele lacks a steady water source, relying solely on rainwater catchment. This water shortage affects education, leading to school closures, and also hinders health services.

🚰 Ensuring Reliable Access to Water for All

The community is urging the government to address their water infrastructure issues. A desalination plant, built by the government a few years ago, remains incomplete and non-operational. Completing this project would significantly improve the delivery of health services and education in Vatulele.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTb3hBC7dGE

Let's come together and support our community’s plea for essential resources and a better quality of life.

Vatulele District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) Created with CapCut: https://www.capcut.com/s/CTtk_OftECn683Mb/