Staff Reporter
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
The New Zealand Association of Fiji Teachers (NZAFT) has appealed to philanthropists and members of the Indian community for financial and other support in providing support to needy school children in New Zealand and Fiji.
Association President Chandra Prakash has also appealed to teachers in New Zealand to identify needy students from the schools with which they were associated in Fiji.
“We registered good progress in meeting our key objectives of providing financial assistance to the needy students in New Zealand and in Fiji last year. Several students from poor families who have benefitted from our assistance. We request for a greater support from the community to enable us to reach the target in 2017 so that we can assist some of the poor rural schools, still recovering from the devastating hurricane, Winston,” he said.
In his December 2016 Newsletter, Mr Prakash provided details of the efforts undertaken by his Association with the support of commercial and religious organisations to provide relief to the victims of Tropical Cyclone Winston (in February last year).
These included the Vunivau Sanatan Dharam Primary School (Bua), Madhuvani Primary School (Rakiraki), Sabeto Central School (Sabeto), Korotari Arya School (Labasa) and Naikavaki College (Koroinasolo).
Mr Prakash also acknowledged the assistance rendered by the Trustees and volunteers of Shri Ram Mandir located in West Auckland in loading containers with books and stationery for dispatch to schools in Fiji, members of the Association and their friends for organising fundraising dinners to mobilise finances for the needy children in Fiji and other organisations for their support.
Fresh Applications
“Teachers, parents and students work together to apply by filling application forms which are available from the Fiji Teachers Union Headquarters in Suva and from Members of the Executive Committee in Auckland. We will also be grateful for information on children who are in need of educational assistance in New Zealand and Fiji,” he said.
Further information can be obtained from Chandra Prakash on (09) 5773434 or 021-2921113; Vino Naidu (Secretary) on (09) 2783233 or 027-4840139; Kamal Prasad (Assistant Secretary) Kamla Prasad on 022-4133139; Bikeshwar Prasad (Treasurer) on (09) 9484771 or 021-2653390 or Nand Kumar (Publicity Officer) on (09) 8272320 or 021-2109651.
Photo Caption:
- Students of Vunivau Sanatan Dharm Primary School (Bua) receiving bags, books and stationery; Head Teacher Ashok Kumar can be seen standing on extreme left
- Chandra Prakash providing financial assistance to the management of Sabeto Central School, Nadi
