US provides $840,000 grant to FRIEND to assist families affected by COVID-19

Close to 2,300 families in the Western Division who relied on the tourism sector for their livelihood and are now struggling to make ends meet, will now be able to explore new market opportunities after the US Government through USAID granted $840,000 to FRIEND Fiji.

FRIEND will use the money for activities such as alternative livelihoods training and mentorship programs for those previously employed in the tourism industry.

They will also explore new market opportunities for farmers and fishermen who are no longer able to sell their produce to the tourism sector.

FRIEND Fiji founder and CEO, Sashi Kiran says the funding is very timely as many Fijians are struggling to make ends meet right now.

She says more than 150,000 people lost their employment in the first wave of COVID-19 and Nadi in particular has been crippled economically and the second wave has further impacted struggling families.

The United States Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Fiji Tony Greubel says the United States Government recognizes that local civil society organizations play a key role in providing relief to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji and across the Pacific region.

He says the US remains committed to strengthening the ability of Fijian communities to respond effectively to the economic and social disruptions caused by this pandemic.

The Australian Government has also provided funding of $770,000 to FRIEND Fiji to assist families affected by COVID-19.