Rabi Island Welcomes Fiji Development Bank with Open Arms

Suva, Fiji. Last week, the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) team from the Savusavu branch, set foot on the beautiful island of Rabi where close to 170 people participated during their outreach with a majority of them being women.

Representing the Bank on this historic visit were two FDB representatives: Mr. Atunaisa Laqeretabua and Mr. Patrick Sarwan. Together, they organised a series of awareness sessions on the Bank’s products and services, especially its financial literacy programme.

The team highlighted the process for obtaining loans for Agriculture Families, Women Entrepreneurs, SMEs, and for Fishing. They also explained the Bank’s repayment options either through platforms such as M-PaiSA, MyCash, internet banking, etc. so that time is saved from visiting FDB branches for regular payments. Technical advice and assistance on business management was also provided.

Other key issues covered by the duo included emphasis on the significance of quality record keeping procedures and being prudent with business savings. The two-day event was facilitated in four villages: Buakonikai village, Tabwewa village, Uma village and Tabiang village.

With approximately 75% of the participants being women, they were actively involved in the respective village sessions, eager to learn more about FDB. Formal Q&A sessions and informal one-on-one discussions were the norm for each village.

The women were primarily comprised of those currently running a business in their village or those intending to soon start one. To continue with the impressive momentum, constant follow-ups are scheduled with individual village administrators over the days ahead.

The FDB CEO, Mr. Saud Minam, shared his enthusiasm for the outstanding response by the people of Rabi, especially the women.

“We’re amazed at the level of interest the people have regarding our products and services as well as knowledge for improved financial literacy. I applaud my team for being financial service champions, proudly flying FDB’s banner all the way in Rabi. Our Rabi outreach event was indeed a sweet Valentine’s Day gift to all those involved.”

 “FDB continually encourages women empowerment, and with the overwhelming number of the Rabi particiants being women, it is a progressive step in the right direction, especially with our dedicated loan product aimed towards women. To the 125 women who attended our awareness sessions, this is the exact type of development we all love to see as a further stepping stone in the lead-up to International Women’s Day,” he said.    

 He continued saying, “the scope of this attendance was simply monumental. If that same percentage of Rabi’s adult island population, were to attend a comparable programme in Suva, it would fill the National Stadium. We could not be happier with the participation.”

 The success of this outreach activity is proof that there is value in organisations leaving their comfort zones and travelling out to remote villages to bring essential services and information right to the doorsteps of those who need it the most. FDB is ‘your partner in progress!’