Similar to the Vaka Pride programme on Rarotonga, the Te Vaka O Ru committee have decided to award all eight villages on Aitutaki equally for their efforts to ensure safety within their communities.  Each village on Aitutaki will receive a cash grant as a Meitaki Atupaka from the Te Vaka O Ru committee to go towards strengthening a pre-nominated community project of their choice.

“This crisis has presented an opportunity for continued and strengthened collaboration in the community. Each village on the island has pooled together their limited resources to prepare, inform and equip the people during COVID-19 restrictions.  As a result of their unified efforts, the Te Vaka O Ru committee have decided to award the villages equally. They will present the cash prizes and certificates this Friday the 12th of June” said Misepa Isamaela, coordinator for Cook Islands Tourism.

“The community projects that the funds will support will be a big help” adds Isamaela.  Amuri Oire will use their winning funds towards signage for their water station and any leftover funds will go towards the purchase of safety gear for their task force. Ureia Oire on the other hand will utilise their funds on a uniform for 12 of their committee members plus the printing of names. Their leftover funds will go towards a tea and coffee station for their volunteers.

Arutanga Oire have dedicated their TVOR award towards a patrol programme. Specifically, their winning funds will go towards the petrol or diesel that volunteers will use to patrol the area during the weekends to increase safety measures. The patrols will have a positive impact on the community as security will increase reducing alcohol related accidents and petty crime in the area. Reureu Oire have chosen to use their funds towards Operation Namu and the beautification of their village. If there are any leftover funds, these will go towards first aid bags for their COVID-19 taskforce members on-call service.

Next week we will outline the community projects in the other four villages on Aitutaki which are part of this round of Te Vaka O Ru.  For more information on the Te Vaka O Ru programme please contact Misepa Isamaela on [email protected] or +682 31767.