Four MWH Fiji staff will next week travel to Auckland to take part in a unique event to benefit neighboring Vanuatu.
The Oxfam Water Challenge, to be held on 21st February, brings together teams from 22 engineering firms to compete in a water engineering task. Proceeds from the challenge will benefit a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Results programme in Vanuatu.
Known as Team Waikoula, or ‘Precious Water’, the MWH Fiji team is the only team outside of New Zealand to take part in the challenge. The winning team on the day will have the opportunity to travel to Vanuatu to see some Oxfam projects first hand.
“Clean water is such a precious resource to all in Melanesia,” is the word from Team Waikoula. “The challenge is not only an opportunity to make a difference for our neighbours, but to raise awareness of how very important it is to protect our water and make the most of it.”
So far, Team Waikoula have raised more than NZ$1,700, but needs a lot more. The first $2,000, which is donated to Oxfam, makes the team eligible to enter the competition. More is needed to help cover travel, visa and accommodation costs.
For the four Team Waikoula members – database administrator Kameli Koroivuki and engineers Viliame Vatuwaliwali, Warren Biggs and Solomoni Raravula – the challenge is an opportunity to put their skills to good use and help out a Melanesian neighbour.
For Solomoni it is also a chance to give back in another more personal way. “I’ve seen Oxfam involved in various Fiji community assistance programmes over the years, especially the health clinic in Suva. This is a way for me to give back to a worthy cause.”
Helping a neighbouring Melanesian island is also a big motivator for the whole team. “Whatever helps lift Vanuatu helps lift things all over the Pacific.”
Office morning teas and kava nights are some of the ways that the team has raised funds.
“Our workmates have been very generous,” says the team, “but we need to go wider. We’re hoping that the
Four MWH Fiji staff will next week travel to Auckland to take part in a unique event to benefit neighbouring Vanuatu.
The Oxfam Water Challenge, to be held on 21st February, brings together teams from 22 engineering firms to compete in a water engineering task. Proceeds from the challenge will benefit a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Results programme in Vanuatu.
Known as Team Waikoula, or ‘Precious Water’, the MWH Fiji team is the only team outside of New Zealand to take part in the challenge. The winning team on the day will have the opportunity to travel to Vanuatu to see some Oxfam projects first hand.
“Clean water is such a precious resource to all in Melanesia,” is the word from Team Waikoula. “The challenge is not only an opportunity to make a difference for our neighbours, but to raise awareness of how very important it is to protect our water and make the most of it.”
So far, Team Waikoula have raised more than NZ$1,700, but needs a lot more. The first $2,000, which is donated to Oxfam, makes the team eligible to enter the competition. More is needed to help cover travel, visa and accommodation costs.
For the four Team Waikoula members – database administrator Kameli Koroivuki and engineers Viliame Vatuwaliwali, Warren Biggs and Solomoni Raravula – the challenge is an opportunity to put their skills to good use and help out a Melanesian neighbour.For Solomoni it is also a chance to give back in another more personal way. “I’ve seen Oxfam involved in various Fiji community assistance programmes over the years, especially the health clinic in Suva. This is a way for me to give back to a worthy cause.”
Helping a neighbouring Melanesian island is also a big motivator for the whole team. “Whatever helps lift Vanuatu helps lift things all over the Pacific.”
Office morning teas and kava nights are some of the ways that the team has raised funds.
“Our workmates have been very generous,” says the team, “but we need to go wider. We’re hoping that the legendary Fiji generosity will come to the fore so that we can do our best for our Pacific neighbours, and make Fiji proud, too.”
If you would like to donate to team Waikoula visit www.oxfam.org.nz/fundraise/wai-koula.
PRESS RELEASE