Page 39 - SPBD Dec 2021

SPBD Fiji 2020
SPBD CENTRE OF THE YEAR 2020
VALELEVU SISTERS IN ACTION
Valelevu Sisters in Action is the SPBD Centre of
the Year 2020.
The award recognises SPBD centres who
demonstrated strong organisational traits and
full support of the SPBD Programme and the
principles of microfinance and community
involvement.
Valelevu Sisters in Action has 20 members
engaged in businesses such as market vending,
tailoring, flower arrangements and running
canteens.
Members are encouraged to invest in their
families through saving, education and housing
improvements. Group fundraising includes a
monthly kati, with money raised contributing
to individual members’ savings. The Centre has
enabled members to buy vehicles, build and
renovate their homes, expand their businesses,
send their children to school and access proper
Valelevu Sisters In Action Centre
39
SPBD Fiji 2020
medical treatment.
In 2020 there was a focus on improving
members’ relationships. Sick members and their
close relatives were visited and supported with
groceries and funds.
Valelevu Sisters in Action is working hard to
uphold the values and principles of SPBD in the
community by improving the lives of members
and families.
Centre Chief, Lewaseni Takayawa, says her
approach has been to lead by example. “I have
to be the one who’s leading the race. I walk the
talk. And I listen to the members, and I fight for
the members.
“There are two clothes we have to wear,” she
says. “You have to be faithful, and you have to
be truthful. With those two clothes, you’ll be
able to be a good member.”