Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Makes a World of Difference

The Vodafone ATH  Fiji Foundation today became the 19th Foundation of the Vodafone group to launch the highly successful World of Difference programme, which allows people from all walks of life to make a difference in the lives of othes by working for the charity of their choice and sharing their knowledge  for up to a year while being paid a salary and expenses.

 

Launching the programme at Vodafone House this afternoon (Tuesday 27th April), Vodafone Fiji board member and former CEO and Managing Director of Vodafone Australia, Russell Hewitt, said the programme had now been adopted by Vodafone local operating companies and affiiliates including Vodafone Albania, Egypt, Ireland, New Zealand and the UK, with more than 700 individuals having received the opportunity to work for their favourite charity for up to a year.

 

Mr Hewitt told  the audience of business executives, senior civil serviants, civil society representatives and the media that according to research, not many donors invested in capacity building, administration, management and human resources expenses. Many funding recipients received funds to implement projects but didn’t get funds for project staff and other areas that build organizational effectiveness. 

 

“Here’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone who’s involved in charity work, or is interested in volunteering. If you have ever considered taking some time out to work for a charity, the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation’s World of Difference programme could make the decision a lot easier for you, If you’ve always dreamed of being able to devote yourself exclusively to helping others, it’s easy to get involved,” he said.

The World of Difference programme will be offering 36 winners the opportunity of a lifetime - to work full-time for the charity of their choice, all expenses paid and with a salary of up to $10, 000 over a four-month period.  A longer 12-month attachment which will be advertised next year will make up to $40, 000 available for each of four participants.

In January this year, Vodafone UK annouced 500 world of difference candidates who were placed with 500 civil society organisations around Britain..

 

The World of Difference is a Global Flagship programme which has to date allowed over 700 individuals around the world to volunteer for their dream charity while being paid their salary and project expenses.  The programme aims to build capacity in organizations and enhance organization effectiveness with a particular focus on building social leadership in youths and communities. 

 

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Executive, Ambalika Kutty said that in Fiji, a huge gap existed in the succession planning of many civil society organizations and there was a need to take it to a level where youth could participate effectively.  

 

“The World of Difference programme is about empowering to make a positive change and gives recipients an opportunity to make a difference and a real impact while getting paid, “ Mrs Kutty said.  

 

The Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation will call for applications from passionate people who wish to work for their favourite charitable organization or NGO in short-term and long-term placement in a capacity building role. 

 

The expected outcomes of the World of Difference Programme include;

 

• partnering positive social change with charitable/civil society organisations 

• reaching larger numbers of people

• Increasing efficiency and value for resources, 

 

While allowing the participants to;

 

• satisfy aspirations for self development

• think big.

 

To make a World of Difference, the chosen candidates will be working directly with young people and those who influence them.   Candidates will identify groups of young people and motivate them to take responsibility for their future. They will work with a diverse range of partners and play the role of facilitator, enabling multiplier effects of potential impacts.  

 

FDJ $360, 000, or 40% of annual funding, has been set aside by the Vodafone Group Foundation of the UK, Vodafone and ATH to fund the World of Difference programme and will go towards all costs associated with salaries and expenses for the chosen candidates who will be aged between 20 to 45 years of age.

 

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation envisages being the leading foundation with an aim to foster corporate philanthropy, corporate volunteering and bestowing of social responsibility through delivering ground breaking programmes and engaging everyone to make a World of Difference in Fiji”. Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation enables businesses and people to invest some profits and passion back into communities, through providing grants, offering innovative paid charitable volunteerism programmes, inspiring employees, colleagues, families and friends to make a difference. Foundation strategic focus areas entails programme such as Sustainable Funding, , Beyond Funder, Handsup Vodafone, Double your $, Red Alert Vodafone Life and World of Difference.

 

Ambalika D Kutty

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation

168 Princes Road, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji.  

Mobile : 9998026, Telephone: (679) 331 2000, Fax: 331 2007

Email: ambalika.kutty@vodafone.com Website: www.vodafone.com.fj

Registered Office: 168 Princes Road, Suva, Fiji.   Registration: No. 685