Road trip, art and chocolate cake…
It’s good to see that the rain clouds have passed over at last and the sun is shining again. Here’s an update of what the MSP team have been up to recently.
New MOU strengthens services for women and youth at risk
We have just signed a memorandum of understanding with H
omes of Hope (HOH), a non-government Fijian charity which operates residential homes for young single mothers and their children and offers training in parenting and marriage. A chocolate cake sealed the deal!
HOH’s vision is to create a culture where women and children are free from the stigma and cycle of forced sex. MSP will complement HOH’s vision and responsibilities; working collaboratively to provide information on reproductive, maternal and child health; and clinical services to support teenage mothers.
4WD road trip spices up a Sunday afternoon
We had a fantastic time on the Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset 4WD day trip to Namosi on Sunday 26 May. We were fortunate to have Kaajal of Aspire Network join our all-female crew. A big thanks to Reanu (of the Rotary Club Suva East) who drove like a pro all day and showed why women are undoubtedly the best drivers!
The route took us on a scenic drive through five different regions of the south-eastern part of Viti Levu — Suva, Naitasiri, Waimaro, Namosi and Veivatuloa — and was a great opportunity to experience more of the Island’s beautiful landscape. Travelling in convoy, we went over mountains and through valleys and lush rainforests, passed through/over creeks and rivers and traversed some steep slopes during the day.
The trip also included a stop at Wainabi waterfall, village visit and Sevusevu, picnic, and a presentation of used books at Namosi Secondary School.
Art showcase event raises funds for MSP
The great and the good of Suva gathered together at the Corona Art Show 
fundraiser, at Vale Ni Tadra in Lami on Friday 24th May, for an evening of inspiring art, tasty nibbles and good conversation — all in aid of raising funds for MSP and Vaturu District School’s Boarding School.
Thanks to Corona Worldwide Fiji for a brilliant, well-organized event and to everyone who came along and showed their support. We will let you know the amount raised in due course.
Second workshop to engage youth in child protection
It’s going to be an extremely busy week at MSP as, in partnership with Aspire Network, we finalise preparations for Workshop Two in the series ‘Engaging Youth in Child Protection and Women’s Empowerment to End Violence Against Women and Girls’.
This second workshop for Western Division youth is being held on 6th and 7th June in Lautoka. We aim to provide young people with the knowledge and confidence to recognize and respond to women, children and youth at risk from violence, sexual assault, exploitation, trafficking, abuse or neglect.
Presentations from the Fiji Government, Fiji Police, UN and other non-government organisations working in the areas of child rights, child protection, and prevention of violence against women and girls will follow an opening address by the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation.
We greatly appreciate the British High Commission and European Union funding support which is pivotal in enabling us to stage these invaluable educational events.
Until next time…