Fiji Blind Society Open Day
August 7, 2010 Nanuku St, Vatuwaqa
The President of the Fiji Blind Society, Mr Dhirendra Singh
Board Members of the Fiji Blind Society
The Executive Director of the Fiji Blind Society, Mrs Barbara Farouk
The Head Teacher, Mrs Rukmani Joseph, and Staff Of Fiji School of the Blind
The National Secretary of the Fiji Parents Support Group, Mr Vishwa Mudaliar, and Members of the Support Group
Representatives of the Various Government Departments and Agencies
Invited Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen and Children
Good morning, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Namaste.
It gives me immense pleasure to be here this morning to participate in a very important cause that is so dear to our hearts.
I commend the Fiji Parents Support Group, for organizing this event and for its support and commitment towards public education and awareness in this area, particularly parental education for visually impaired children and the right of education and support for visually impaired individuals.
This open day, I am sure will create new avenues for support in achieving better education and rehabilitation for our visually impaired children and adults and that visually impaired individuals receive equal rights, gain independence and become self sufficient.
Since its establishment in 1970, the Fiji society for the blind as a charitable organization has always relied on assistance from the general public and donor agencies in the form of cash or kind to carry out its various programmes.
I am told that the society is the only agency providing rehabilitation, education, training and assistance to the blind and visually impaired in Fiji and the region.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering commitment shown by the Fiji Society for the Blind for its leadership and compassion in providing education, a home, food and shelter and transport for the past forty (40) years.
Today that commitment is shown in the many remarkable achievements by the society and the positive image that we all witness as we enter these beautiful surroundings.
I am told that students who went through this school have been able to access primary, secondary and tertiary education and those that enter the job market do hold responsible positions.
I must commend the Fiji Blind Society for the sterling work it has been performing over the years that has made a huge difference in the lives of our visually impaired citizens and their families.
I also wish to thank the Fiji government, the various high commissions and embassies, organizations, schools and individuals that have assisted the Fiji Society for the Blind.
Your support has contributed to the success of the society up to this very day and I am confident that it will continue and increase with renewed vigour.
My very best wishes for a highly successful open day and that you all thoroughly enjoy the rest of the day.
Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu, Bahoot Dhanyavaad