The Drua Foundation plays a vital role in extending the Fijian Drua spirit to remote communities, according to its director, Melissa Natawake. With a mission that encompasses high-performance pathways, health and education, and addressing challenges in remote areas, the foundation is actively engaged in community outreach.
During a recent visit to Ovalau Island, Natawake expressed gratitude for the warm reception from locals and schools. She emphasized the significance of initiatives like the club’s community blitz tours, designed to forge connections and spread the Drua spirit further into these regions.
The foundation’s three pillars are central to its outreach efforts. The high-performance pathways focus on nurturing young rugby talent through the Drua Academy, which allows players to develop their skills while staying in Fiji. Health and education initiatives aim to improve overall well-being in these communities, while the third pillar addresses the unique challenges faced by remote locations.
Launched in February of this year at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva, the Drua Foundation is a dedicated charitable initiative aimed at fostering rugby development and creating a positive social impact across Fiji. By engaging with various communities, the foundation solidifies its commitment to building a vibrant and supportive culture around rugby and local health education.
Natawake’s insights underline the importance of such outreach programs in nurturing future generations while promoting a spirit of unity and resilience within Fijian society. With the Drua Foundation at the forefront, there is hope for continued progress in the realms of sport, health, and education across the nation.