Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu. The country occupies an archipelago of about 322 islands, of which 106 are permanently inhabited, and 522 islets. The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for 87% of the population.

Poverty in the Pacific is rarely as visible or as extreme as it is in some of the harshest parts of the world.There are people who are truly disadvantaged and deprived compared to other people in their community or nation, and that defines poverty here.

Recent surveys have revealed large differences in income and well-being within several Pacific island countries.  The Fiji Poverty Report found that 25 per cent of households could not afford a basic standard of living and that the poorest households usually include people who have little education or skills and have difficulty getting jobs.  They often do not have land or permission to use it, live in very poor houses, are often left alone by the extended family and have difficulty keeping their children in school.  Because of the way they live and their poor diets, they become sick easily.  They are also unable to cope with sudden events such as a hurricane, a death in the family, or marriage break-up.  The head of the household may have a job but cannot earn enough from it to keep the family properly.

In a recent study by Dr Rukmani Gounder, Associate Professor of Economics at Massey University, Gounder commented that “Looking at the poor economic climate since the coups in 1987 and the rising poverty figures, we can assume that up to 40 per cent of the population could now be living in poverty.” “If you do not improve their wellbeing then they are in danger of becoming vulnerable with large numbers of children living in poor conditions, they drop out of school and become street kids,”  Click here for full article.

Red Dust Role Models has recognised the need in Fiji to assist youth in disadvantaged areas and after beginning its first tour to the island in 2008, plans to continue its work in 2009 and beyond.