WFF Visit to “Rise Beyond the Reef”

While holding our annual staff reflection and Strategic Planning workshop in Nadi, the Executive Director – Ms Rejieli Taylor, thought it a good time to visit one of our grantee partners – Rise Beyond the Reef (RBTR) sales point “NA STORE” which is situated on a river front and beneath the scenic Sabeto hills in Nadi.

The RBTR has invested in an agricultural farmland and intends to utilise this as an integrated business tourism venture.  At the shop, they display and sell the crafts made from women around Fiji.

There you can find tote bags, cushions, table covers, table runners, fans (Iri), pencil cases, coin bags, baskets and so much more. If items are not available at the shop, you could place your order(s) and the women will be able to tailor-make it for you. The materials that the women use are not only durable but of very good quality.

The WFF staff seized the opportunity to see the various crafts and items made by the women who are members of the RBTR and how well they have utilised the funds they were awarded. It was an inspirational as well as a moving sight to see the great progress of the work by the RBTR very well to the point where their products are finding their way overseas.

RBTR has plans to expand their business venture which will include a small restaurant and takeaway café with a “farm to table concept” and utilising ingredients from their garden. The Fund hopes that more women groups and artisans from rural and remote Fijian communities will be able to showcase their talents in the same manner.

RBTR also has an Online shopping platform on which their homewares and crafts are sold locally as well as on the global market. You may visit them https://risebeyondthereef.org to learn of the great work they do.