Last Updated on 8 years by Publishing Team

Emblematic Stories Launched by Assistant Health Minister  

The Hon. Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Mrs Veena Bhatnagar launched UNDP’s project “Emblematic Stories”.

“Emblematic Stories” is a project from SCEFI (Strengthening Citizen Engagement in Fiji Initiative), which over the last 3 years has promoted civic engagement, economic empowerment and natural resource management, women and youth empowerment, and the rights of the disabled and marginalized, through a series of small grants spread throughout the whole country.

Mrs Bhatnahagr expressed gratitude for the assistance the SCEFI program has provided to communities in need. “On behalf of the people of Fiji, I would like to thank UNDP and the European Union for such a constructive program. This kind of grassroots initiative is essential for improving civic engagement and empowering every Fijian. The project also supports efforts towrads mental health and wellbeing”, she said.

Mrs Bhatnagar pointed to the success of the Vuda Teen Mums Project, coordinated by Viseisei Sai Health Centre. None of the grant recipients from the project were able to attend the launch, as they had all successfully gained full-time employment.

“It’s wonderful to see the success of the Teen Mums project, and witness what a difference it has made in empowering lives and creating livelihoods”, Mrs Bhatnagar added.

Representatives for the grantees include Lionel from Youth Champs for Mental Health, Salochna from the Naari Shakti Women’s club, and Ana Maria from the Pacific Center for Peacebuilding, who shared stories of how the grants helped empower their communities.