Fiji Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Hampton, over the years, has a proud history of facilitating a number of projects throughout the remote Yasawa Islands. This has been possible through an association with past members, Presidents and Paul Harris Fellow recipients Helen and Greg Wragg who had on a number of occasions travelled to this location and established strong ties with the local people at Nabukeru Village. The Rotary Club of Hampton is held in high regard in this region of Fiji as many Club members have also travelled to this area.
Some 15 years ago, Liz Ware suggested, whilst on a working project trip to Fiji, that the Club set up a scholarship fund to enable children from remote island villages to continue their education on the mainland. This was achieved to a certain extent with donations from individuals within and outside the Club. The funding of these educational programs came to an end however around 2009 and during a Club Forum was later reinstated as a possible project.
Following unanimous support from members of the Club earlier during the 2013/14 Rotary year, the Rotary Club of Hampton Fiji Scholarship Fund was established and the Board that year established a Committee to administer the project.
To encourage donations to the fund by Club members, other individuals and corporate entities external to the Club, the Committee applied for and gained approval for the Project to hold Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) status. The Fund was established on 28th May 2014. A Club project with RAWCS status allows money donated to the fund to become tax deductible. This arrangement unfortunately had to change due to Australian Taxation Law amendments.
The purpose of the fund was to provide Scholarships for children living in remote areas of Fiji, particularly the Yasawa Islands. The scholarships allowed the recipients to continue senior secondary or tertiary education on the main island.
It was envisaged that this would be not only be of great benefit to the individuals, but also to their Fijian communities when students gain their qualifications.
The criteria for a successful application by students included the following:
- Students applying for a scholarship must have a proven record of successful study results at either Primary or High school levels
- Students must be willing to undertake courses that they believe they will successfully complete
- Students must satisfy the Committee their need for financial support of the Fund
- The assessment of the relevant criteria will be gathered for Committee approval by Club Members who have the necessary experience in Fiji and have the connections with the Educational Institutions involved.
- Scholarship recipients will be required to keep the Committee informed of their progress on a regular basis during the term of the scholarship.
- The scholarship shall be a yearly scholarship to assist a maximum of five students.
- Students currently receiving a scholarship may apply for subsequent assistance provided satisfactory progress with their studies is established by the Committee.
- Students selected will have good academic levels and positive attitudes to education and are drawn from families who are financially unable to support their further education.
- Student of families that face financial hardship as determined by the Committee and whom would not be able to continue their schooling.
Initially some 12 Primary school children who came from remote islands were assisted when parents were unable to pay outstanding school fees.
The recipient selection process for Tertiary Education placings included assistance from the Principal of the Andhra Sangham School in Latoka.
Recipients since 2014 are:
- A group of twelve Primary School students from the remote Yasawa Islands are attending Andhra Sangham Primary School.
- Adriano Rabolabiu. - Maritime Engineering - Nandi TAFE
- Eramasi Tuinakauvadra (Jimmy) - Automotive Engineering Studies in 2015. – Nandi TAFE
- Samisoni Naivunivuni (Sam Waqatabu Marshall) - Applied Computing Studies - Suva at the Fiji National University.
- Rasekia Nadumu (Ryan Nadcy) - Restricted Master/Engineer Class, Maritime Studies. Nandi TAFE
- Neigha Devi – (Neha) - Degree in Physiotherapy - Suva at the Fiji National University.
- Onisimo Vasutava (Simo) – Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry
Currently the Club is supporting two students:
Osimo (Simo) Vasutava is currently doing a 6 year Degree course studying in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry and Neha Devi is doing a 4 year Degree course studying Physiotherapy.
Our two students have produced some very impressive results over 2019and 2020 as they near the end of their University Courses. Neigha completes her course in Physiotherapy this year whilst Onisimo has next year to complete his qualifications in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science. Neigha and Onisimo have prepared reports for their year.
Both Simo and Neha have prepared their annual reports for the Club Members to see their activities:
June 2020 Reports