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Approaching the retirement age, one has to plan well so that the transition will be enjoyed with a lot of business plan for the last two decades utilizing the God given provision of Land which will bring great returns to the member and the immediate and extended family as a whole.

It is no difference to Mr Sailosi Nakelo, a 52-year-old Secondary School Economics teacher who has confidently declared that with the Loan assistance from the Fijian Teachers Association Cooperative Thrift, he was able to secure his business that is bringing great income generating to support him for his Retirement Plan.

Mr Nakelo is originally from Naila, Bau Tailevu and married with 5 children. The eldest is now attending Tertiary, two attending Primary and two at Secondary Education. His Retirement Plan has now enough to support his obligation to the Koro and family as a whole.

Mr.Vateitei-receiving his power tools from the Chairman of FTACTL Mr. Iosefo Volau

Luke Vateitei’s continued assistance in assembling coffin boxes for deceased relatives and friends throughout Ovalau and nation has provided much consolation and relief during unexpected times of grief. In fact, it could be termed as the “talk of the town” …… as a teacher providing a mammoth community service, many a time had only received a Big Vinaka Vakalevu for the good Samaritan he had become. With unwavering commitment, he would try and put together whatever was given to him to construct these coffin boxes. At times he would also rise to the occasion in offering the Hearse service to wherever the funeral gathering was staged. Learning of his eligibility status available at FTACTL, and prompted by the rising request for his craftsmanship, he decide to seek for financial funding to purchase appropriate tools to assist him in his endeavor.

Much to his delight FTACTL approved his request and had invited him to come over and select the items for purchase in Suva. In a motivated and inspired mood, he had purchased Power tools worth $6,544.00. Retorting in the famous Lovoni dialect after receiving the assistance, from The Chairman of FTACTL he uttered –

 “Isa, mai na vatotomi kina Vale ni Tui, Sa ka vinaka na vosotia, ia sai yau levu na loloma. Vinaka vakalevu Turaga, e na soqosoqo vinaka ke, na FTACTL.”

Mr Vateitei receiving his power tools from the Chairman of FTACTL Mr Iosefo Volau

As a would be retiree in the next few years and the thought of acquiring a sustainable source of income when I return to the village, I had been thinking of various ways to tackle this emerging challenge. The hardships faced when as a child and the struggles faced in growing up in Gau and Koro, gave me a strong urge to try and give something back to the community and in turn maybe start a business that could also sustain my retirement livelihood.

My dream to own a small business took a huge leap into reality, when I encountered the thought of starting a small bowser facility ait the Qarani Jetty in Gau after it’s reconstructed stage and the proposed endeavor to revitalize the inter-island shipping in response to promoting rural farming and local export. My term as a primary school teacher in Koro had somehow aroused comparison in how better off, interisland shipping services was for Koro and Ovalau while Gau was still heavily underdeveloped.

Having set my sights in pursuing the project, I was also lucky to have attained a lease on the property close to the jetty and had also acquired the backing of the vanua and traditional approval to start what is normally termed a Gunugunu ni benisini or Bowser facility.  The biggest challenge now would be to find a source of funding. My choices of potential places to seek assistance with was always hindered by countless challenges, and was even harder during these Corvid 19 Pandemic.

The initial recollection of my understanding of FTACTL continued to divert my choices to try and secure a loan to fund the start- up of the business. I had lodged a request at the office and had awaited its response with eagerness and much prayer time. To my surprise I received a phone call from FTACTL Chairman, on Sunday 26th July, and was overjoyed when he announced that my loan application of $5,000.00 had been approved.

I guess, I must have been sincere with my prayers, or was I destined for the assistance as a FTACTL member, just privileged to have the opportunity to be financially assisted in a Business entity. 

I have now secured all the purchasing of hardware materials and fencing, and have also secured an empty container, to act as a shed and initial home base for the bowser as well as chain-link for fencing and security provisions.

I must acknowledge the timely assistance and sincere understanding of The Fijian Teachers Association Co-operative Thrift Limited in having faith assisting this humble intention of mine.

“Vinaka saka vakalevu FTACTL, for making dreams a reality”.