MOU signing with Peace Corps to jointly support socio-economic development in rural and maritime communities - Ditoka

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Peace Corps Fiji, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance socio-economic development in rural and maritime communities across Fiji.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka acknowledged the contributions of Peace Corps in Fiji over the years, says the partnership established would enable them to jointly support the socio-economic development of rural and maritime communities across Fiji, bringing essential services and economic opportunities to areas that need them most.

Ditoka says the MOU solidifies the commitment of both the Ministry and Peace Corps Fiji to work together on a range of high-impacting assignments.

He says the Ministry is tasked with implementing development strategies that ensure Fijians living in rural areas have the same access to essential services and economic opportunities as those living in urban centres.

The Minister says a key strategic priority for them is raising the standard of living and fostering economic growth, with the aim of ensuring that rural and maritime communities in Fiji are productive, progressive, safe, and resilient.

He says the work undertaken by Peace Corps Volunteers in Fijian rural communities aligns closely with the Ministry’s key deliverables, and this partnership will enhance future cooperation for more sustainable and impactful programmes.

The Minister says under the MOU, the Ministry will work closely with Peace Corps Fiji to recruit Peace Corps Response Volunteers with specialised skills for high-impact projects within the Ministry which might include but not limited to digital and software engineers to support project digitalisation, database experts and GIS Specialists to assist in establishing the National Rural Development Database and civil engineers for rural road and infrastructure projects.

He says additionally, the Ministry intends to engage Virtual Peace Corps Volunteers - experienced professionals who will contribute 5 –15 hours per week to support the Ministry’s teams.

The Minister says their focus will be on improving community economic empowerment initiatives and revitalising income-generating projects.

He says in further advancing this collaboration, the Ministry’s team has also consulted with the Peace Corps Fiji office to conduct Training of Trainers (TOT) programmes on community economic empowerment for District and Assistant District Officers.

Ditoka says these trained officers, along with Peace Corps Volunteers, will then provide training to all recipients of the Ministry’s Income Generating Projects (IGP).

He says this includes training in project management, income generation, and financial literacy, ensuring that programme funding recipients are equipped with the necessary knowledge and guidance for success.

The Minister adds this partnership marks an exciting new chapter in the Ministry’s mission to develop Fiji’s rural and maritime communities by leveraging the expertise of Peace Corps Volunteers, the Ministry aims to create more sustainable and impactful development programmes that will make a real difference in the lives of Fijians living in rural areas.