At this festive time of year, we are particularly mindful of the importance of being a “good neighbour.” There are many who will go without holiday feasts or gifts, many who do not even have a place to call home or know where their next meal will come from.
For people down on their luck, there are few places to turn, but one house on McGregor Street always has an open door, and that is “The Good Neighbour International.”

The Suva- based organisation also operates in Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. The organisation focuses on providing grass roots assistance wherever it is most needed, particularly to the poor, unemployed, hungry, and the homeless.

Their services include a Suva based- shelter for women, kids, families, and people who have nowhere to turn.

They also help communities to improve their lifestyles with water, education, and food security projects.

Their motto is “We Build People” and their goal is not to provide a “hand out” but a “hand up.”

The organisation received a $29,600 grant from the Fiji Water Foundation, they have been able to improve four of their local resource centres around the country.

These centres are like big community gardens and farms, with some simple on-site housing provided, and also computer resources and study facilities for children after school.

Some people work at the centre everyday in exchange for shelter, food, or clothing.

Their centre in Wainivula, Ra is fully operational and self-sustaining, bringing in $500 a week in sale of produce in local markets and at hotels.

Over the school holidays this year the group has organised for children from the Suva shelter to visit the rural centre in Ra and stay for a week.

Like summer camp, the children have daily activities, chores, responsibilities and also get free time to swim, play volleyball and relax with other children in the area.

It’s a unique experience for these kids who normally would be searching the streets of Suva for entertainment or trouble.

Reverend Paul Ramswarup helped to establish The Good Neighbour in Fiji in 1992, and speaks movingly about their compassionate mission.

“There is a woman staying in our Wainivula centre who was severely abused and neglected by her family. She was passed around various social welfare organisations- they had no place for her, and when she came to us they told us she was useless. Since she has come to Wainivula she has been happy as a clam.

“She has her own modest room and bed, and she wakes up every morning and cooks and works so hard on the farm we have to tell her to rest. She has been shown compassion and now she has found peace and a purpose.”

The organisation’s doors are open to people of all races and religions because, says Mr Ramswarup, their goal is not to preach, but to live the charitable and compassionate life.

Foundation Manager Molly Powers said that the Fiji Water Foundation is proud to be supporting the work of the Good Neighbour.

“We are passionate about development and change that starts from within a community. The Good Neighbour is a part of the communities where they work. It’s inspiring to see the lasting positive changes they are making in people’s lives.”

Fiji Sun. 26 December 2009