Fiji/Pacific Educators Recognise & Appreciate Healthcare & Frontline

Thank you. We appreciate you more today Frontliners. Frontline staff are still hard at work while you and I relax in safety from Covid-19. Appreciate their dedication to the work they’re each called to do. Vinaka vakalevu to every medical frontline individual and their collective efforts of containing the virus.

Fiji/Pacific Educators with Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) show appreciation to Saint Giles & Makoi Hospital staff:

A team of educators from USP, FNU, FTA and FTU were on hand to present goodies and foodstuff with fruits to the frontline staff last Thursday. In presenting the goodies to the medical staff, the Dean of Humanities and Education Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba of FNU said; "As Educators we are doing this to say thank you for the work that you doing. Today we appreciate you…growing up we always know that when there is a problem in the country we get up and go help-out with our people who are struggling. Part of our job is to look after communities".

Taniela Rasavuka - Nurse Unit Manager at Saint Giles Hospital said that he was very thankful to the Educators for organising the food packs and refreshments today. He also stated that through the Educators giving they also are giving hope to the Frontliners through this action.

School of Nursing and the School of Public Health staff from CMNHS-FNU were also at today’s Educators event to support their colleagues from Makoi (Health Team) and Saint Giles.

Dr Viniana Kalougivaki (IMT) Team Lead responsible for Central Division who looks after Covid operations from Tailevu to Serua-Namosi said that she and her team are deeply appreciative of the Educators Initiative in doing this good deed for them as Frontliners in the fight against Covid. She further elaborated on the safe protocols of fighting COVID-19 and the public’s responsibility to get vaccinated and practicing social distancing. She stated that Central (division) is coming into recovery mode. She was accompanied by Mr. Apisai Boila of the RFMF.

Appreciating the Frontline staff of Saint Giles and Makoi Hospitals... more to come so stay tuned for more pics from Team Suva... with Matereti Sarasau Sukanaivalu & Kelera Bokini-naborisi for more on this post.

I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of the Central team leader and it's members to thank the FTA for the Lunch packs as well as Mrs. Vidya Singh for the morning tea packs and the presence of the FTU GS and the Senior Executives of the FTA. Also present was Professor Unaisi Baba and Ambassador Mr. Emitai Boladuadua. Appreciation extended to the FTA, FNU and teachers who were also present to witness the handing over of the food packs and morning tea stuff to the CWMH team led by the Director of Nursing Mrs. Kelera Soata to receive the appreciation package. Provided above are some pics captured during the exchange of hearts. Speeches were moving, challenging and encouraging. God was acknowledged through a special prayer dedicated towards all COVID-19 frontlines for Gods protection and everlasting love on everyone in Fiji in such distressing times. (Matereti Sarasau Sukanaivalu)

Team Lautoka managed to round off the distributions with a final delivery to the Isolation and Vaccination centers yesterday, Wednesday 25th August to Natabua high School, and South Seas team based in western health centre.
With this final activity, Team Lautoka would like to thank all the Educators in Lautoka based institutions that donated generously to the cause; Rotary Club Lautoka for the donation of hand sanitizers, masks and water bottles; the caterers involved; the warehouse and other stores involved; the Namaka market vendors for the beautiful bouquets; an anonymous donor for the hand woven baskets; and especially to Divisional Police Commander West Mr. Keni and Deputy Police Commander West, Mr. Kafoa and team for delivering when the situation was too risky.
Vinaka, dhanyavad and thank you to everyone involved. Your efforts and care towards recognizing and appreciating Front liners and health workers is so greatly appreciated.

A team of Lautoka based educators from The University of the South Pacific, University of Fiji, Fiji National University, Fiji Early Childhood Teachers Asociation and Champs International School were able to safely present a second round of refreshments to the health workers at the 2 isolation centers.

The initiative is part of the Fiji/Pacific Educators recognize and appreciate Healthcare & frontline workers cause. Dr. Ronal Kumar Consultant Surgeon and Commander for Divisional Command Centre Western, received on behalf of his team of health workers. We also had a special guest join us during the event, Mr. Kali Nasoko Rasoga of the Fiji 7s Olympians.

Tea items and a fruit basket was given to the hospital and tea refreshments were given to the 2 isolation centers.

Additionally, The Rotary Club of Lautoka kindly donated 600 pieces of face masks and 1 carton of hand sanitizers to the front liners.

A big Vinaka to all the Lautoka Team Educators for making this project a successful one and appreciating the efforts of our Unsung Heros.

A team of Lautoka based educators from The University of the South Pacific, University of Fiji, Fiji National University, Fiji Early Childhood Teachers Asociation and Champs International School were able to safely distribute lunch and dinner packs for the Police Officers at the various check points around Lautoka on Friday 20th August, 2021.

This was done in line with health regulations and with the help of the caterers. The caterers delivered the lunch and dinner packs to the Police Station and the police officers delivered it to the Police check points on behalf of the Lautoka Team.

A big Vinaka to all the Lautoka Team Educators for making this project a successful one and appreciating the efforts of our Unsung Heros.

8 Healthcare front-liners at Korovisilou Health Center in Serua received an appreciation pack of Bottled water, milk , coffee and milo from Team Educators in Navua. The strength , bravery, sacrifices and compassion of these front-liners does not go unseen as they put their own health at risk to help the people in the remote communities.

Financial Donation Appreciation Post: (Tuesday 17 August)

The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha donated a sum of FJ$200 to the Educators Initiative to help with our efforts to continue supplying goodies and food to many more hardworking frontline workers. We would like to thank the APS organisation and especially Pt Kamlesh Arya for the kind donation. Receiving the donation was Team-leader Professor Uniaisi Nabobo-Baba - Dean College of Humanities and Education Fiji National University, President Fijian Teachers Association Mr Netani Tokalauvere Druavesi and Mrs. Vidya Singh of Fiji Teachers Union. Vinaka Vakalevu APS.

Appreciation for Police Fronline Men and Women: This afternoon FTU donated 100 Chicken Curry Packs with additional snack, biscuits & water packs donated by our Suva Team members of Fiji/Pacific Educators.

Giving out the packs today which consist of cooked food, water and snack was done by Mr. Agni Deo Singh - General Secretary with Mrs Vidya Singh of Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and other key staff of the CHE College at FNU.

Receiving the donations were officers from the Police Suva Operations represented by the Deputy DPC Mr. Vilimoni Romairasea - Superintendent of Police, the Officer In-Charge of Operations, the Inspector of Operations and Seargent Major for the Division who all received the packs with gratitude.

When your photographic work is published in the .com.au website, it is a good thing - because the lives of Frontline workers matter...

Team BA

Future leaders - leading Today! The Future is Now: Was a wonderful moment spent being motivated by these Youth Leaders of Fiji on International Youth Day - Aug 12th. Vinaka to Dr Joseph Veramu and his team for supporting the Educators frontline initiative. The Youths of CLCT Integrity / Transparency Fiji have pledged to join all educators in appreciating and supporting our frontline workers in Fiji. Vinaka Vakalevu.

Appreciation to all Frontline staff at the Checkpoints and Screening centers - Vinaka Vakalevu for the great work that you do.
Visitation to Mead road (Nukulau bubble) Police check point by our Suva based Central team made up of Adi Litia, Matereti and Sikeli.

Visitation to Tacirua kindergarten health screening team by our Suva Central team of Educators. Vinaka to Adi Litia Makutu, Sikeli Cakaubalavu, & Matereti Sarasau Sukanaivalu.

Visitation to Vatuwaqa Police Post by Educators in Suva part of the Central team. Adi Litia Makutu, Sikeli Cakaubalavu, & Matereti Sarasau Sukanaivalu.

Mr. Alifereti Cawanibuka’s Message of
Appreciation to the Frontliners

We live in uncertain times. Our nation is not exempted from the harsh realities of this unprecedented global pandemic. We’ve been blessed to receive amazing support in the supply of the Astra Zeneca vaccines from our neighbouring countries of Australia & New Zealand and even as far as India and the United States of America. This allows all citizens from 18years and above to be vaccinated at no cost to the individual. As a senior citizen, I am eternally grateful. I’ve been able to take my first dose. I am 76 years old and there were no side effects at all. Our whole family, have taken the first dose and more than half have also completed the second dose. Our Christian belief is intact and we did this because we believe that we have a responsibility to ensure our families and communities are safe.

Additionally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the tireless efforts of all our frontliners. From those that administer the vaccines up front in our hospitals, makeshift fever clinics and health centres to our armed forces - the Fiji Police Forces and the Fiji Military Forces who uphold law and order particularly when curfew restrictions are instituted. We understand that the geographic area coverage is not limited to the main island but inclusive of the off beaten tracks and outer islands. We are truly grateful for your commitment and passion to undertake such a mammoth task with the vaccination drive to ensure that we have a safe and protected community. Most of you have been out in the field, months on end and have sacrificed being with your families during this critical time. We certainly cannot repay but our prayers go with you. Vinaka vakalevu na yalo ni veiqaravi. (Thank you for your spirit of selfless service). For us in the field of education, we certainly empathize with you as influencing communities and changing perspectives is no easy feat.

It is a challenge but definitely not impossible. Together as a nation we can. As Team Fiji we can. Get vaccinated. Let’s protect our fragile nation that we call Home. We need to ensure our community is safe. We look forward to getting on with life - whatever will shape the new normal. Let’s build together.

Be kind. Be safe. Be well
God bless Fiji

Dear Pacific Educators,
Thank you so much for your input and understanding towards this worthy cause. We hope that his partnership of empathy, love and care for frontline workers of our nation shall continue and that we shall come together more often as Educators of the Pacific to appreciate and support the work of those who risk their lives protecting our very own people .
May God protect the frontline workers and God bless you all.
(Attached are some pictures of Savusavu hospital presentation)
Regards Pardeep Lal (Head of Campus FNU Labasa).

Team North: A big thank you to team USP, team FNU and all educators up North; and supporters from Labasa for traveling to Savusavu to reward the great work being done by frontline staff there.

Small gestures of good-deeds goes a long way. Vinaka vakalevu.

To express our appreciation and gratitude for these everyday heroes , we ( Team Navua) visited a group of military officers camping at CPSingh Technical Center yesterday. They were presented with a care package of bottled water, milk, milo and coffee to show them our respect, love and care. These items were provided by Makereta Mua of Fiji National University.

Lifestyle and Wellbeing: Even if your chances were improved a little would you take it? This study is not foolproof but this is probably the #1 (diet) along with the plus 1 (vaccine) and like this comment "The only statistically significant differences in diet between the two groups were that the "plant-based" participants ate less meat... and more vegetables, legumes and nuts. The other participants drank more sugary drinks and alcohol."

😷

Are people following a plant-based diet less likely to get severe covid? Study says yes Research finds relationship between diet and vulnerability to coronavirus

Vinaka vakalevu to all the Healthcare and Frontline personnel for all that you continue to do during the fight against the COVID-19.
The Suva Team (ST) wishes to acknowledge the Institute of Education's (IOE) kind donation of food items, water, fruits, chocolates and buckets of biscuits for the Frontliners. The IOE also printed "Thank You" cards which were put in each of the five bags of goodies presented. ST was out and about on Friday 06/08/21 visiting the Frontliners at the Fiji National University Nasinu Vaccination Centre and the Fiji Police Checkpoints at Nadera and Khalsa Road.

To our hardworking Frontline Health staff - Help is on it's way thanks to the kind donation of 30 ventilator-parts from US Aid Pacific Islands. Vinaka vakalevu DOD and people of USA.
🥰🇫🇯🇺🇸

Thank you Makereta Mua and colleagues.

Frontliners at Navua Hospital received more cartons of bottled water through the Fiji/ Pacific educators recognition and appreciation initiative.While receiving this token of appreciation from team Navua , SDMO Doctor Kapil Swamy said that this assistance was very timely to the Serua/ Namosi health team and that he was extremely grateful for educators of FNU for helping them out during this outbreak. Team Navua aims to keep the hard working frontliners hydrated and would continue to assist front liners with safe drinking water.
Special thanks to Dr. Mosmi Bhim for donating 14 cartons of bottled water.

Thank you to the President Mr. Mainaz Ali - Voice of Needy Foundation and his team for supporting the Frontliners initiative in the West. Your donation and assisting with Nadi deliveries is very much appreciated. Vinaka.

A team of Lautoka based educators from The University of the South Pacific, University of Fiji, Fiji National University, Fiji Early Childhood Teachers Asociation, and Champs International School were able to safely present refreshments, bouquets, hand sanitizers, and face masks to the front liners and health workers at the 2 vaccination centers, isolation centers, and Lautoka police check-points.

The initiative is part of the Fiji/Pacific Educators recognize and appreciate Healthcare & frontline workers cause. Dr. Mara, Covid Commander Western received on behalf of his team of health workers.
The following items were distributed by the Team:
Sandwiches and fruit platters with juice, masks and hand sanitizers were donated to the South Seas and Natabua High school vaccination centers
Tea, coffee, milk, sugar, fruit baskets, pies, cakes and bouquets were donated to the 3 isolation centers
Tea, coffee, sugar, milk, carton of cookies, fruit basket, carton of water, bouquet, masks and hand sanitizers were donated to the various police check-points around Lautoka
A big Vinaka to all the Lautoka Team Educators for making this project a successful one and appreciating the efforts of our Unsung Heros.

Team Suva led by Dean College of Humanities and Education (CHE) FNU, Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) President and General Secretary, Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) Vice President and General Secretary, Academics and other representatives from all HEI's in Suva descended on Albert Park today to distribute fresh Lovo packs sponsored by FTA, fruits, water and other goodies to two vaccination centers in Suva City.

We would like to thank the respective representatives from the Unions, University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji National University (FNU), University of Fiji (UniFiji) and others for coming together to provide meals for the hardworking frontline workers today. Vinaka Vakalevu!

Team Lautoka made up of Professor Tupeni Baba and his team from UniFiji and other HEI's donate to Lautoka Hospital.
Vinaka vakalevu Professor Tupeni Baba for the wonderful gesture shown to our hardworking frontline staff at the Lautoka hospital.

USP/FNU Team Labasa - Appreciation Post: Educators teamed up again yesterday and thanked the North Medical Team for their hard work and dedication to the task of fighting the pandemic. Vinaka vakalevu Health and other frontline staff up North. We will not forget you. Expect some coverage in the dailies.

They presented baskets of goods to the hospital in Labasa. Head of Campus Mr. Pardeep Lal said "It was indeed a special moment for all of us. Dr. BogitinI and I thanked the front line workers for their sacrifice and continued perseverance in this effort to fight Covid 19". He further stated "From outside, we can only pray and provide our moral support to the hardworking frontliners". Yes HC Labasa we agree with you that the small token was greatly appreciated by the hospital staff.

Vinaka sake vakalevu to the Tui Macuata who also made a contribution of $100 towards this initiative and word has it that he personally gave his full support to the initiative.
Monies collected will aid purchase of goods for Labasa and Savusavu hospitals.

The team will likewise deliver goodies to health and other frontline workers in Savusavu. The planned visit is set for Friday 6th Aug.

Nadi team, todate, comprised of three members (Runaaz, Sunil, and Rina). The team presented baskets of goodies, water and dinner set, cutleries, and electric jug to the Head of the Nadi Hospital Dr. Pablo at 2 pm today. The presentation was done at the Bluelight Village Hotel lobby and was well received by the medical team.
It was a joyful moment for us and the medical team, and as Dr Pablo stated in his speech,
‘this is a different kind of feeling I am experiencing today, especially when we are loaded by the negatives and criticism. Our team was overwhelmed with this kind gesture of positivity and appreciation today, and thank the team for acknowledging the endless effort, sacrifices, and commitment of our frontline workers.
We thank everyone who has helped us making this visit a successful one.

Vinaka Team Nadi

When Frontline Staff have hidden talents and push positive vibes in their own creative way: Northwell Health Nurse Choir Gives an Inspiring Performance. How motivating is this Fiji Frontliners? I Love it!

Let us continue to recognise and appreciate all frontline staff out there.
Vinaka Vakalevu NZ for appreciating the hard work done by the frontline nurses. "Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced further support for Fiji, including funding support for nursing staff and 100,000 doses of vaccines due to arrive in country today." (Fj1News)

New Zealand’s support for Fiji’s COVID-19 response continues with vaccine delivery, operational support
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Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced further support for Fiji, including funding support for nursing staff and 100,000 doses of vaccines due to arrive in country today.

“Our thoughts remain with Fiji during this incredibly challenging period,” Nanaia Mahuta said.

“New Zealand has funded 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine directly from the Spanish government in order to meet Fiji’s immediate vaccine requirements. The vaccines will arrive in Fiji later today.

“AstraZeneca is Fiji’s vaccine of choice and these doses will further support the excellent work Fiji is doing in vaccinating its population.”

“Earlier this year New Zealand committed to providing up to 500,000 doses of vaccine to support Fiji’s rollout. Fiji’s vaccination programme is progressing well with 25% now fully vaccinated, and first doses provided to 82% of the population. Our commitment stands and New Zealand will continue to work with Fiji to confirm its remaining vaccine requirements,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

New Zealand is also funding the recruitment of 190 Fiji graduate nurses, for a three month period, to provide surge capacity across the health system including at Fiji’s isolation facilities.

“The recruitment of these nurses not only supports Fiji’s response in the short term, but also contributes to the long-term resilience of the health sector,” Nanaia Mahuta said.

Aotearoa has also responded to a range of other requests from the Fiji Government and civil society.

“In the last two weeks New Zealand has supported the provision and retrofitting of ambulances and medical equipment, provided funding support to civil society partners and begun delivering 700,000 testing swabs and privacy screens for medical facilities,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

These initiatives build on previous packages of support New Zealand has provided Fiji to enable its COVID-19 response, including $40 million of financial assistance, PPE, testing equipment and other relief supplies. New Zealand has also deployed two rotations of medical personnel to the joint Australia New Zealand Medical Assistance Team providing surge clinical, logistical and public health support for the Fiji health system.

“We remain in close contact with the Government of Fiji and civil society partners to support further requests,” Nanaia Mahuta said.