In July 2021, RC Taveuni Island in Fiji were approached by the community in Dreketi for assistance in building a new school to replace the one destroyed in a landslide in 2017. After helping with plans and permissions, Helene & Peter Browne, formerly of RC Chelsea, set about raising the $150,000 required. Now, just 12 months later, they have achieved that goal, thanks in a substantial part to 12 clubs in District 9820 including a District Grant from Rotary Foundation. In all, over 20 clubs in Victoria, NSW, NZ and Germany have provided funds. Peter Browne is now in the position to start ordering materials from Suva, a three-day boat trip away. The Fijian Education Minister has given approval to the build and the site. Everything's ready to go BUT the Fijian Government has just called an election in mid-December and of course it's moving into cyclone season. Peter & Helene have locked up their house in Fiji and headed to Melbourne to wait out any possible cyclones. Once they return in February, materials can start arriving and the build can commence. With luck the school will be ready in July 2023 - watch this space!
