The Fijian Teachers Association Co-operative Thrift Limited (FTACTL) marked a significant milestone yesterday with the official handover of its new Hydraulic Excavator at the FTA Hall on Knollys Street. The event was graced by the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esirom Immanuel, serving as Chief Guest. Also in attendance were prominent traditional leaders, including Tui Suva and Turaga na Momo na Tui Nawaka, alongside the SCC CEO, Mr Tevita Boseiwaqa and a strong representation of FTA and FTACTL members.

The acquisition of the excavator represents a strategic step in expanding FTACTL’s business and investment portfolio. This achievement was facilitated under the Government’s 1/3 – 2/3 grant assistance scheme, underscoring the importance of collaboration between public institutions and member-driven organisations.

FTACTL emphasizes that ‘sustainable growth is achieved through collective effort, discipline, and sound governance’. Guided by faith and unity, the cooperative remains committed to investing in ventures that deliver long-term value and opportunities for its members. This handover ceremony not only showcases FTACTL’s ongoing commitment to innovation but also highlights the pivotal role of strategic partnerships in fostering growth for member-driven organisations.

The 2025 FTACTL Annual General Meeting was celebrated as a remarkable milestone by members across the country.

This year marked a turning point for the Cooperative, highlighted by two major achievements that brought pride and renewed confidence to all : the successful launch of the $10K Kakavaki to selected members, and the grand opening of the new Teachers Village at Natabua. Both initiatives stand as powerful symbols of progress, stability, and the Cooperative’s commitment to uplifting the lives of its members.

The Kakavaki payout brought joy and relief to the recipients, while the Natabua Teachers Village showcased the Cooperative’s long-term vision coming to life—providing secure and quality housing for teachers and their families. The AGM itself ran smoothly and professionally, thanks to the FTACTL Board’s clear, transparent, and well-presented annual report. Members appreciated the openness, accountability, and strong leadership that have shaped this year’s successes. As the Cooperative looks ahead, this AGM marks the beginning of a new era of growth and unity for FTACTL and the wider community it serves.

Members expressed their hope that even more colleagues will continue to join and support the Cooperative’s journey, strengthening the spirit of togetherness and ensuring brighter opportunities for all.

The inclusion of a Teachers village was a noble thought, floated and consented to by members, in 1997, when the FTA Housing Assistance Scheme was first established. 

In taking over the functions when the FTAHAS merged with the FTA Co-operative Thrift Ltd in 2017, the current FTACTL Board ensured that this realization was fulfilled

Its subdivision and further development, within reach in the purchase of land at Nakadi, Navuso (60 quarter acres) and 13 quarter acres at Natabua in Lautoka.  As per FTACTL policy, the Youth members will enjoy 30% of all land and property dealings of the FTA Co-operative Thrift Ltd.

The Launching of the Teacher’s Village was held in Dratabu during a consultation with members. The Dratabu visit in Nadi, saw the attendance of members from the greater Nadroga, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba Tavua and Vatukoula areas.

In ensuring the safety and certain obligatory functions towards its Executives and Board members, with the inclusion of its staff, this product has consistently been a part of the Fijian Teachers Association and Fijian Teacher’s Association Co-operative Thrift for the past decades.   

The current Board in visualizing a clear demarcation of its objects has extended its efforts to include a member’s family in its obligatory sphere.  This will assist in the preparation of the member’s family obligations during and after the members’ tenured term of service.

A Game Changer in itself, the modified product is envisioned to ensure that all members, will have the option to either, after their demise, are accorded the highest respect in appreciation of their loyal, selfless and dedicated service to the teaching fraternity during their teaching tenure.  However, in the event should they retire, have the alternative to either continue with the NA KAKAVAKI until they reach 60 or 65 years of age, or may opt to collect their full premium plus SPECIAL INTEREST after satisfying preliminary conditions.

Click HERE to download the Na Kakavaki Scheme Registration Form.

FTACTL Chairman visited the islands of Moala,Totoya, Matuku, Vatoa and Ono in the Lau Group in his capacity as UNICEF Pacific Education Specialist with MEHA officers. He was able to conduct FTACTL consultations as well as member services to teachers in majority of the schools in all the islands visited.

Members were really overwhelmed with the office updates and the services and products available with FTACTL especially the new IT System – the Thrift Plus 1 Member Online Portal. They witnessed first hand the ease of services as loan applications were approved from the meeting venues. FTACTL wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to Heads of Schools and Teachers of schools visited for their hospitality.