Bau Island hosts CCF’s first workshop for 2010

The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum’s (CCF) Education team received a warm welcome for their first workshop for 2010 at the chiefly island of Bau, on 2nd February.

A total number of 47 people including the former Vice President of Fiji, Ratu Jope Seniloli and the Vunivalu Ratu Apenisa Cakobau, participated at the workshop, conducted at Ulu Ni Vaka Hall at Bau Island.

CCF’s Education Support Officer, Wilfred Tukana said starting the workshop in Bau was an educational experience due to the historical significance of the island being the birthplace of Fiji’s “King” Ratu Seru Cakobau, who ceded Fiji to Britain in 1874.

“Participants had misconceptions about human rights, seen as contradicting with culture and tradition, where some people are exercising their rights at the village level and not respecting the decisions of the village,” Tukana said.

He stressed that the session on human rights was greatly appreciated particularly by chiefs that were present at the workshop, as it clarified misconceptions for youths.

“The meaning and the principles of human rights, citizenship and good governance was explained and people received a good grasp of the concept,” he added.

CCF’s Community and Field Officer, Sereima Lutubula said the presence of key community leaders and chiefs was encouraging as they helped reinforce key messages to the people especially on the misconceptions regarding human rights to culture and traditions.

The team acknowledged the presence of Ratu Viwili Komaitai, the representative of the Tailevu Provincial Office, at the workshop.

This sets a promising year for the CCF Education Team.