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From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (27 February 2025) Rotuma welcomes FIFA Football for schools By Simran Chand Fiji Football Association has launched the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) curriculum in four Rotuman primary schools, bringing football's educational and developmental benefits to the island's youth. Led by Technical Director Timo Jankowski, the program delivered engaging sessions to students at Malha'a, Paptea, Motusa, and Christ the King Primary Schools. The children showed enthusiasm and teamwork, with strong participation from both boys and girls. To support continued engagement, Fiji FA provided essential football equipment to each school. This initiative builds upon the F4S curriculum's successful rollout in over 160 schools across Fiji, including remote areas like Yasawa, Kadavu, and Levuka. During their visits, the Fiji FA team distributed more than 1,600 footballs and other training equipment. The FIFA Football for Schools program, a global collaboration with UNESCO, integrates football into school systems to promote education and health, aiming to positively impact children worldwide.
From Fiji Times (14 February 2025) Rotuma enjoys expanded government services By Anish Chand
An Australian Air Force plane has flown Fiji government officials to Rotuma. Assistant Minister for Justice, Ratu Josaia Niudamu led the team which included reps from Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Ministry of Finance, Fiji National Provident Fund, Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority, Fiji Corrections Service, and the Fiji Scouts Association. Ratu Niudamu was warmly welcomed with the traditional Rotuman mamasa ceremony. He had site visits to essential infrastructure on the island that included the Rotuma jetty, the police station, and the local hospital. The accompanying ministries and organisations provided various essential services to the people of Rotuma, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting and uplifting communities in the outer islands. From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (4 February 2025) Outer islands face a mounting waste crisis By Shania Shayal Prasad Fiji’s outer islands face a mounting waste crisis, lacking sustainable solutions and proper management frameworks. The Pacific Recycling Foundation has received an increase in urgent requests for help from islands including Ovalau, Kadavu, Rotuma, the Lau Group, Taveuni, and Malolo. PRF, in partnership with GIZ and local ministries, will launch a comprehensive recycling program in Taveuni later this year. PRF founder Amitesh Deo warns that other islands desperately need support. He says the minimal existing infrastructure and the rapidly increasing waste generation, which, without intervention, will pollute the ocean and devastate ecosystems and livelihoods. PRF’s “Look Beyond” initiative has sent a team to Rotuma for assessments, but Deo stresses that widespread action is crucial. He calls on government, donors, and the private sector to invest in waste management solutions, citing it as essential for environmental protection, sustainable development, climate resilience, and community well-being. Many islands lack even basic waste disposal, leading to uncontrolled dumping and severe environmental risks. From Fiji Times (3 February 2025) Waste issue surges in Fiji By Rakesh Kumar
Waste management is becoming an escalating issue on Fiji's outlying islands, and local communities are struggling to find sustainable solutions. The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has reported a surge in requests for assistance from various outer islands, including Ovalau, Kadavu, Rotuma, the Lau Group, Taveuni, Malolo, and others, urgently seeking intervention to tackle their worsening waste management challenges. Currently, PRF is spearheading the implementation of a comprehensive recycling program in Taveuni in partnership with GIZ and local organisations, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Local Government. This program is slated to roll out later this year. PRF Founder Amitesh Deo said the growing number of calls for help from outer islands showed the critical need for effective waste management frameworks beyond Viti Levu. "At present, there is minimal structured support for outer island communities to manage their waste effectively, putting both the environment and livelihoods at significant risk," Mr Deo said. Through PRF's Look Beyond initiative, co-founder Joseph Inoke is currently in Rotuma conducting baseline assessments and engaging with stakeholders who have been advocating for immediate solutions. Despite the urgency, Mr Deo said PRF had to bear the full cost of this intervention as no dedicated funding was available for such programs. "The situation in the outer islands is dire. "Waste generation is rapidly increasing, and without intervention, much of it will end up in the ocean, leading to devastating environmental and health consequences," he said. "We cannot tackle this crisis alone," Mr Deo continued. "We need the collective effort of government ministries, donor agencies, development partners, and the private sector to build sustainable waste management solutions for these communities." While PRF has been collaborating with partners to roll out holistic recycling programs across various sectors on Viti Levu, the outer islands remain underserved. Many of these communities lack even the most basic waste disposal options, leading to uncontrolled dumping, pollution, and increased risks to marine ecosystems. "Without immediate action, the environmental and health risks will continue to escalate, threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity," Mr Deo warned. PRF has called on government agencies, development partners, and donor organisations to step forward and collaborate in addressing this urgent crisis. "Investing in waste management solutions for the outer islands is not just about environmental protection; it's a fundamental step toward sustainable development, climate resilience, and the wellbeing of these communities," he said. From Fiji Times (2 February 2025) Team tours outer island By Rakesh Kumar A TEAM from Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is on Rotuma for an initial stakeholder consultation and baseline assessment to explore the implementation of proper waste management solutions. In a statement, the foundation said the initiative was being carried out in close consultation with key stakeholders. "Following discussions with the Juju Solhoho Women's Club, PRF was invited to assess the island's waste situation and engage with key individuals and groups to map out a potential solution, particularly for recyclable. "Over the next few days, our team, consisting of Joseph Inoke and Ioane Leonard, will meet key stakeholders, including the Council of Rotuma, schools and community groups, before leading a stakeholder discussion." Meanwhile, the foundation founder Amitesh Deo and Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd (WRFL) managing director Joseph Inoke recently met the newlyappointed Environment Minister Mosese Bulitavu, along with permanent secretary Dr Sivendra Michael. The meeting provided Mr Deo with an opportunity to update Mr Bulitavu on the foundation's initiatives, upcoming activities, campaigns and areas for potential collaboration. Mr Bulitavu thanked Mr Deo and his team for their efforts in the recycling space and that he looked forward to working closely with the foundation. From Fiji Times (1 February 2025) Lambert paints in paradise By John Mitchell
Lambert Ho is arguably one of the country’s most established and recognisable visual artists. Despite having a sterling career spanning almost four decades under his belt, he has not shown any sign of slowing down. On December 20 last year, the adventuring artist left Nadi for the far-flung island of Rotuma. He is soaking in every ounce of goodness the island paradise and her people have on offer. But not without showcasing what he loves best – painting. Lambert is part of a group of volunteers who are on the island as part of an eco-camp organised for school children and youths. “I traveled to Rotuma as an artist and volunteer for Läje Rotuma Initiative,” he said. LäjeRotuma Initiative (LRI) is a community-based environmental education and awareness development program in Rotuma. LRI is a voluntary initiative which encourages youths on the island to actively participate in activities aimed at informing and strengthening the capacity of the island community to make informed decisions on sustainable management of their natural resources. “I am billeted in the village of Noatau, an amazing place with the sea at my doorstep. ” LRI had earmarked a few spaces on Rotuma for painting and other art activities including murals on walls, art classes for children and fabric painting for the women. The various art forms used were aimed at empowering young people to effectively express themselves, telling their unique stories and sharing their lived experiences. “This is all a volunteer program that involves a few of us, namely environmentalists, teachers, artists et cetera, ” Lambert shared. Aside from serious aspects of volunteering on the island, something that Lambert is very familiar with, enjoying the sights and sounds of Rotuma and the rare opportunity of interacting with islanders, is something the Suva artist has been enjoying. “This isn’t new for me as I’ve traveled extensively through Fiji to share and connect with fellow Fijians through art. It’s wonderful and I’d never change it for anything else. When children are able to they will draw right after saying mummy or daddy!” While the camp is volunteer-driven, Lambert did reach out to a few friends to sponsor some tetron cotton fabric, marquees and some art materials. “I’m loving everything about this amazing land of Rotuma and her beautiful people. After my welcome ceremony or ‘ mamasa’ I was taken around the island to visit her amazing spots. ” This was over the Christmas and new year season so there was a lot of dancing and merry-making the traditional way. “There was a lot of feasting and dancing (the traditional ‘fara’). It was an everyday and every night affair! You’re pulled into the occasion politely and it’s an amazing experience.” Rotuma’s natural aesthetics and the humility of the people are things Lambert will always cherish about the island when he finally returns to the capital. He says he admires the values of simplicity and humility which abound on the island. For food, Lambert misses his daily dose of vegetables. He eats a lot of taro leaves and bele in order to stay trim and fit. “Rotumans would open a can of corned beef and have it with taro or biscuits every second or third day, I’m watching my diet and my figure! “I am so honoured to be invited to Rotuma by my friend Monifa Fiu, the managing director for Läje Rotuma Initiative. A big vinaka vakalevu to the people of Rotuma and the care given to me. I am deeply grateful and humbled. Faiaksia!” Lambert has travelled extensively around the globe doing and attending exhibitions and festivals. He has also travelled extensively through out Fiji.
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