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.
Babasea Primary School, Levuka i Daku, Matuku,Matuku. Head Teacher Emele Bauta Qalocabekikadavu
HT Doi Village School Mosese Rokotavu
Matuku Teachers during consultation.
Teachers and students Vunuku Village School Moala
Vatoa Village School, Teachers and Students. HT Epineri Gauna
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.
We are very excited to announce the launch of our newly designed website www.ftactl.org.fj.
After months of hard work and dedication, we are delighted to officially announce the launch on March 19, 2021. We wanted to make the new website faster ,easier to navigate, and more user-friendly.
The FTACTL Chairman, Mr. Iosefo Volau, in his address mentioned that that was part of the Vision set in 2017, and that was, the FTACTL “To be a leader in the Co-operative Business in Fiji and the Region”. Specifically, an objective in the second output of the 2017 – 2019 Strategic Plan was “To obtain ICT system that is relevant, user friendly and improves services to members”. That objective was also adopted into the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan to complete work on the web-based financial database system, “Thrift Plus 1” and eventually, the launch of the website. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic in a way, was also a positive catalyst speeding up the completion and achievement of those objectives and allowing the FTACTL to serve members better with the launching of the Member Portal. With the emergence of “new norms” due to COVID-19, service to members remained paramount for the FTACTL, thus the adoption of new products and services, procedures as well as platforms to maintain the trend. Mr. Volau also urged that members change their mindsets and save more and loan wisely as the FTACTL is adapting to the changing paradigms of the Co-operative business during this challenging time.
The FTACTL was honored to have the presence of the FTA President, Mr. Netani Druavesi, the FTA General Secretary, Mr. Paula Manumanunitoga, Representatives from the Department of Co-operatives, WESTPAC Bank, IP1 and the Designer of our website GEM IT. In addition, support received from the FTA Executives, the FTACTL Board members as well as the FTA and FTACTL staff and all faithful FTA family members was appreciated.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Mr Naisa Cama (FTA Treasurer). Mr Tawake Gaunavou (Westpac Accounts Manager). Mr Peceli Rinakama (RFTA Vice President). Mr Netani Druavesi (FTA President). Ms Monika Vakalalabure (FTA VP/Professional). Mrs Nanise Kamikamica (FTACTL Vice Chair). Mr Iosefo Volau (FTACTL Chairman). Mr Marika Nasedra (Department fo Co-operative Officer). Mr Jack Kivi (IP1 Director Finance). Mr Paula Manumanunitoga (FTA General Secretary)
As a Co-operative, it is important to disseminate information regarding our products and services easily and accessible to our current and prospective members. We endeavor to provide our members with the most accurate, up-to-date information and share our knowledge and experiences of events that are of interest to members. Our goal with this new website is to provide our visitors an easier way to learn about the FTACTL’s services and to browse information based on their own choice. The new website gives better access to ‘Who We Are,’ our Savings and Loans Products, Investment portfolio, News & Events, Services, Join procedures and Resources.
Amongst the new features, the site contains integrated social media buttons for the FTACTL Facebook Page as well as the FTACTL Youtube Channel, to foster improved communication with members. We will be constantly updating our content with helpful information, Co-operative announcements and member successes in the News.
To our amazing Media and Publicity team at the FTACTL, your time, energy and efforts are greatly appreciated. Thank you for working in collaboration withGEM IT SOLUTIONSto make this site what it is, and our web-based database developer partner Infinity Plus One who have been a fantastic partner for us and we wholeheartedly recommend them!
Another much anticipated horizon has now been witnessed by FTA and its subsidiaries, is the harvesting of the Yaqona plants at the Vanuavou Farm. Last month saw the first consignment of yaqona being harvested and sent over to Suva for the local market. Whilst it is anticipated that the first few batches are being sold locally, to ensure a swift turnaround time for marketing and trading, there is also ongoing talks to secure overseas market and a wider reach for the local consumption. A farm audit conducted in August 2020 revealed a total of 19,000 well grown plants.
Our newly renovated office space has been completed, at a total costing of $95k excluding variation costs. It boasts a modern day dimension into a conducive and technological provision of Office and meeting space. In investing in a totally vibrant transition of service delivery, that reflects a high standard of information Technology, we believe members and users shall benefit greatly in its utilization.
The installing of a new software program that is specifically designed to cater for services rendered by our Association has also been installed to replace the old one that has been with us from yester years. Although both these 2 new investments, had been targeted to lift the corporate standard and identity of FTACTL, it also has provided member friendly environment and updated business provisions to members.
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.
As I approach retirement in the next few years, I have been carefully considering ways to secure a sustainable source of income when I return to my village. Reflecting on the hardships I faced as a child and the struggles of growing up in Gau and Koro, I developed a strong desire to give back to my community. At the same time, I hoped to establish a small business that could support my livelihood during retirement.
This dream took a significant step forward when I envisioned setting up a small bowser facility at Qarani Jetty in Gau. With the jetty undergoing reconstruction and the ongoing efforts to revitalize inter-island shipping—aimed at supporting rural farming and local export—the opportunity became even more promising. During my time as a primary school teacher in Koro, I witnessed how much more developed inter-island shipping services were in Koro and Ovalau, which highlighted the need for similar progress in Gau.
With this goal in mind, I pursued the project and was fortunate to secure a lease on land near the jetty. I also received the full backing of the vanua, along with traditional approval to establish what is commonly known as a Gunugunu ni benisini(bowser facility).
However, one of the greatest challenges was securing funding for the project. Identifying potential sources of financial assistance proved difficult, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, I was encouraged by my understanding of the Fijian Teachers Association Co-operative Thrift Limited (FTACTL) and decided to apply for a loan to support my start-up.
After submitting my application, I waited with eagerness and spent much time in prayer. To my surprise and joy, I received a phone call from the FTACTL Chairman on Sunday, 26th July, informing me that my loan application of $5,000.00 had been approved.
I felt truly blessed by this outcome—whether it was the sincerity of my prayers or the privilege of being a member of FTACTL, I am grateful for the opportunity to receive financial assistance for this business venture.
With the funding secured, I have now been able to purchase essential hardware materials and fencing. I have also acquired an empty container to serve as a shed and initial base for the bowser facility, along with chain-link fencing to ensure proper security.
I would like to sincerely acknowledge the timely assistance and understanding shown by the Fijian Teachers Association Co-operative Thrift Limited. Their support and belief in my vision have played a crucial role in helping turn this humble intention into reality.
“Vinaka saka vakalevu FTACTL, for making dreams a reality”.
