It was celebration time for the people Matainoco Village in Buretu, Tailevu as they celebrated the opening of their new multi-purpose hall, kindergarten and public toilet.
The project marks another successful collaboration on the behalf of the community, local government and non-profit stakeholders and Fiji Water Foundation.

The multi-purpose hall and public toilets were constructed entirely by the community members of Matainoco.

Fiji Water Foundation contributed $33,000 towards the construction materials, while additional funds were raised by the community.

Matainoco chief Ratu Inoke Talemaibua said the project would not have been possible without the contribution from Fiji Water Foundation.

Villager Isoa Tubuna said the hall will serve not only as a meeting space with an adjoining kindergarten, but the community intends to use it for workshops and vocational training opportunities.

"These sorts of programmes serve to improve job prospects and motivate local youths," he said. Mr Tubuna said that Matainoco was blessed to be able to serve as an example of how to make sustainable changes and make a difference in the lives of its people.

Fiji Water Director of External Affairs and Development and a trustee of the Fiji Water Foundation David Roth was the chief guest.

"We are all family in Fiji, and we are all dependant on one another," he said.

"Fiji Water is doing our part by helping to create a business and a product that is the best of the world, and by assisting in the development of our Fiji communities."

Mr Roth stressed the importance of education for future generations.

His sentiments were echoed by his six-year-old daughter, Alivia, who briefly addressed the crowd saying, "We can help… we're all one big family."

Foundation manager Molly Powers said that the Fiji Water Foundation is proud to be supporting such community-initiated development projects around the country in health, education, and water infrastructure.

The Foundation looks forward to awarding another round of new grants in the New Year.

FIJI Sun, 12 December 2009