Fiji’s Foundation for the Education of Needy Children (FENC) has announced a significant partnership with New Zealand-based cleaning products manufacturer It Works Naturally (IWN). This collaboration comes through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening FENC’s efforts to support underprivileged children throughout Fiji.
During the signing ceremony, IWN’s founder, Hepke van de Luis, introduced an ambitious two-phase plan to improve FENC’s operations while alleviating the financial challenges it faces. De Luis emphasized his commitment to assist vulnerable communities by supplying cleaning products at reduced costs, highlighting the urgent need for resources in Fiji. He remarked, “It’s challenging to fundraise in today’s economy, especially when reaching out to businesses for support,” which sheds light on the pressing fundraising difficulties encountered by FENC.
John Samy, founder and Chair of FENC, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that the foundation would market IWN products, pending a formal agreement. He acknowledged the significant impact this collaboration could have, thanking van de Luis for his willingness to provide assistance. Samy revealed that within the first 12 to 18 months, IWN aims to donate around $300,000 to FENC, which is expected to greatly enhance the foundation’s mission to help needy children.
The partnership will kick off with the first phase involving the export of IWN products to local retailers and wholesalers in Fiji within the next 12 to 18 months. Subsequently, the second phase will concentrate on evaluating the feasibility of manufacturing IWN products in Fiji, with the profits from this endeavor allocated directly to support FENC’s initiatives.
This venture aligns with FENC’s ongoing mission to empower vulnerable children and families, mirroring past collaborations, such as with Vuvale Outsourcing that aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities through skills training and various community projects. These collective endeavors exhibit a promising trend toward enhancing community welfare and underscore the importance of partnerships in tackling significant social issues.
Initiatives like these are vital for uplifting underprivileged children in Fiji, showcasing the resilience and determination of organizations striving to enact lasting positive change in the lives of those they assist. The emergence of such commitment-driven partnerships not only provides crucial financial support but also nurtures community empowerment and sustainable development in the region, heralding a hopeful future for the children of Fiji.