April 4th, 2025
Empowering Navosa’s Youth Through Sustainable Business and Community Growth
The Qere Youth Club of Naveyago Village in the Tikina of Naqalimare, Yasana of Navosa, is proudly stepping into a new chapter of economic empowerment and community development. With the generous support of a $6,000 grant from the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, the club has launched a tent hire business, aiming to generate sustainable income while serving their local community.
The Qere Youth Club, made up of 42 active members aged 15 to 35, has long been committed to uplifting their agriculture-based community. This new initiative aligns with their mission to create opportunities for the youth while supporting local development.
The grant was used to purchase a high-quality marquee, which was delivered on March 27, 2025. This marquee will serve dual purposes: as a rental asset to generate income and as a key resource for hosting training sessions and capacity-building workshops for youth across the eight villages in the Tikina of Naqalimare.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation for their unwavering support,” said Sikeli Gudru, Youth Advisor and Treasurer of the Tikina Youth Council.
“Previously, accessing marquees for community events was a logistical nightmare. Now, this initiative will provide financial stability for our youth and a much-needed service for our entire Tikina.”
To ensure the success of the tent hire business, the marquee supplier provided comprehensive training on both the setup and takedown of the tent. This hands-on knowledge equips the youth members to operate and manage the rental services efficiently.
The delivery of the marquee was met with joy and excitement, marking a major milestone in the youth club’s journey toward self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
This isn’t the first time the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation has invested in the community. Five years ago, the foundation donated musical instruments valued at $2,500 to the Qere Youth Club. These instruments have been instrumental in entertaining tourists visiting Naveyago Village, boosting its reputation as a cultural destination and contributing to local tourism development.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation for their continued guidance and support,” Gudru added.
“This contribution will leave a lasting legacy on our youth club and the broader Tikina of Naqalimare. Vinaka vakalevu.”
Looking ahead, the Qere Youth Club plans to raise enough funds to purchase a tractor to support the farming needs of their community—a long-term investment that will further empower local agriculture.
Their $5,000 unit trust account, built from community fundraising and solesolevaki efforts, will now be supplemented by income from the tent hire business—providing a solid financial foundation for future projects.
Supporting Fiji’s Youth, One Project at a Time
This project is a shining example of how strategic grants, community collaboration, and youth leadership can transform lives and create long-lasting impacts. The Qere Youth Club is not just running a business—they’re building a brighter, more sustainable future for the Tikina of Naqalimare.
#VanuaConnect #FijiYouth #CommunityDevelopment #TentHireBusiness #VodafoneATHFijiFoundation #SustainableFiji #EmpowerYouth #NadrogaNavosa #TourismBoost #Solesolevaki
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