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Tavua/Vatukola is one region where most of the countries poorest live in. since December 2006 when the only industry in the tavua, Emperor Gold Mining Company Limited Closed its doors, some 1.700 where left without employment ad without any money to support their families.
This unfortunate and sudden development left thousands in despair. the category of poor and needy increased tremendously . |
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Children stopped going to school and those went to school had to go without lunch. families could not afford basic necessities of life.
Children stopped going to school and those went to school had to go without lunch. families could not afford basic necessities of life. The mine closure saga in tavua and its consequences shocked the nation.
in these circumstances Gold Foundation, a not for profitable charitable organization was established and registered in october , 2007 as number 841 under the charitable trust act ( cap 67) to assist very poor and needy of the region . the persons responsible for establishment of the Foundation are mr. Samuel Reuben , Mr. Ghana Nand Mishra, Mr, Rajesh Patel and Mr. Samuel Greg. they are also the Trustees of the Foundation.To achieve the above objective of the foundation its constitution requires that we do the following :-
- Raise funds by organizing fund raising activities
- accept donations .
- print and publish booklets and news letters .
- organize seminars and workshops.
- assist disabled persons.
- look after welfare of children.
- create and manage education schemes including scholarships
- assist citizens in time of natural disasters.
- supply physical want of sick , aged , destitute, poor , or helpless.
- meet the expense of poor persons.
- provide for the education of the children of the poor or indigent .
- promote reformation of criminals , prostitutes , or drunkards.
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support provisions of libraries, reading rooms, lectures, and classes for the instruction of the people .
The foundation is committed to working in partnership with NGO's Government Departments and schools to reduce poverty through sustainable development practices and empowering members of the society . To function effectively and for easy access to people the foundation has opened a office in town support by trained staff headed by administrator Mrs. Irene Kumar who was awarded as the volunteer of the year by UNDP in 2006 .
The main annual fundraising activity of the foundation is Gold Town Carnival which is held in conjunction with Tavua Town Council. The Carnival , held since 2005 , brings lots of joy and fun to the people of Tavua and at the same time it raises much needed funds to provide for poor and needy. As a matter of policy the foundation does not use any donation or grants for administration purpose. The foundation does not use any donation or grants for administration purpose. The Foundation ensures that all the donations and grants received are channeled to the poor and needy.
A present the Foundation is engaged in the following programs:-
- Accepting application and direct assistance to poor and needy in form of cash and /or kind.
- Building home and amenities for destitute's and the very poor.
- Providing medical Assistance to poor and needy.
- Providing emergency relief to the people of Tavua .
- Running a family and welfare support program.
- Running Child sponsorship Program for education .
- Organizing workshops, courses and seminars to interested persons.
- promoting WAPA ( Women in Action for Poverty Alleviation )where by poor and rural Women are empowered to undertake their own income generating activities for improving their livelihood. The foundation has provided skill enhancement workshops to women who are excluded form mainstream services so that they are ready to engage in small business and micro enterprising services
The above program has been implemented by the Foundation within a year of its establishment and we are hopeful that we will achieve a lot more in future .
I must stress the importance of continued support of people locally and abroad so that we can effectively fight poverty in Tavua/Vatukoula.
Our Vision is that as the foundation grows we will be able to extend our services and look after poor and needy beyond the district of Tavua/Vatukoula.
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