Effects of Laudato Si – May 29th - 2023.

Raiwai Women’s Group – Raj Moti Lal St.

I met this Women’s group after we have been networking from last year through the Suva  District Council of Social Services or as Suva DCOS. In Suva DCOS, there are about 15 other Community based groups who are registered under the Fiji Council of Social Services and are all within the Suva area that actively participate in community programs and activities.

This women’s group are mostly housewives (about 38 of them) and they live within the 80 blocks of Raiwai Housing besides the Raiwai ground on Raj Moti Lal Street. It is densely populated and like any housing area, the social and ecological issues are always a challenge.

They have been trying to improve their sanitation level and this is where I shared the Nanuku Women’s story and the bits and pieces of Laudato Si though not in the catholic language as all of them are from the Methodist church. This have encouraged and motivated them and so we decided to have a Community Clean Up to commemorate Laudato Si week and also to remember one of Fiji’s Statesmen’s – Ratu Sukuna. At our Meeting - 9 May, 8pm, 2023.

 

Women prepare roti and curry and refreshments for all those participating in the clean-up from the early hours of the morning.

This activity has regenerated communal spirit again. There was even a chief guest from the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) to open the day.

Public Awareness on Littering and Community Responsibilities

One week before the Clean-up, the Suva City Council officers were invited to do a public awareness and remind the laws on Littering in public places.

This is to help in the curbing of this problem as it is a big problem in Suva now

Clean Up day. 29^th May.

This activity was clearly something enjoyable for the kids of this neighborhood as they happily participate with their parents. It is something Laudato Si emphasized and is A Way Forward for community building.

Even a 2 year old boy lends a helping hand 

 

 

Laudato Si can be a very  powerful, peaceful force if we try to practice and live out its values.

 

All we did here was to connect, inspire, motivate and give community support.

 

We gave them a garbage bag pack- the rest they did by themselves. And that’s what we aim to continue to do as far as JPIC is concerned. The power to change is in their hands. Our job is to, facilitate and accompany them.  

 

Vinaka Te. JPIC – Fiji.