Ovalau Outrigger Canoe & Sailing Association

nd links; to develop their own ideas, and help contribute to improving their own community. It’s primary objective is to adapt and forge ‘deeper integration’ amongst entities involved in local community development and community policing - eg; Local gov’t ministries, disciplined forces officers, women and youth associations, churches, sports associations and civil society organizations. The concept behind it’s objective is taken from the teamwork required - by crew members - to skillfully and effectively paddle, and navigate an outrigger canoe through the ocean. As islanders, ocean voyaging is our heritage - along with facing the many dangers and challenges that come with it. As a platform it will help bring the island community together. In unity the community supports and encourages one another as it navigates through the many social, economic and environmental challenges it faces - today and in the days ahead; for these are trying times. Pillars needed by entities to build and support this platform include (amongst others); adaptability, self-motivation, resourcefulness and broad-mindedness. This, in turn will promote opportunities (SME’s, improving networking amongst entities, etc) that complement each other, encouraging effective development of the community. Achievable outcomes include; instilling civic pride/responsibility, resourcefulness, resilience and self-sustainability - enabling the island community itself to steer through it’s own unique challenges - continuing to develop, adapt and evolve. OOCSA will help develop those pillars using it’s #CommunityLink initiative. Significant Dates In OOCSA’s Development…

2018 Dec - First suggestions of this idea - (including the adoption of the PCYC concept) - was made to the relevant authority in response to a continued increase in sexual abuse cases - namely against young children; while continually holding regular talanoa sessions with local residents and local authorities.
2019 - Begin lobbying for support, funding, talanoa, research.
2020 Mar - Covid restrictions slowly being implemented nationwide.
2020 May - OOCSA’s inception…local residents & stakeholders who took up the invitation to help establish it, understood that the association is primarily a tool; to be used to support community policing efforts, unite and help develop our island/maritime communities (namely Ovalau and the Lomaiviti group), and to support the implementation of an adopted version of the PCYC concept - which in turn would aid youth, sports and overall community development.
2020 Jul 6 - Sevusevu presented to Tui Levuka (Ratu Etonia Seru Rokotuinaceva).
2020 Jul 11 - First ‘Official’ OOCSA meeting…2 x V6 outrigger canoes/paddles purchased with assistance from the FNSC, corporate & private donors.
2020 Jul 25 - Canoes unloaded at Levuka Wharf - aboard “MV Waimana.”
2020 Nov 14 - First ever ‘Friendly Regatta’ for community-based outrigger teams. (Raiwaqa, Nausori, Lami, Nasova Police Youth & Ovalau)...held in Levuka. Theme: “Navigating Life’s Challenges Through Heritage Sports & A United Community.”

2021 Mar 4 - 1st drop….#LolomaBoxOutreach initiative started.
2021 Apr to Nov - Covid lockdown…Loloma Box drops continued thru lockdown.

2022 May - ‘Teens Watch’ and ‘Kids Watch’ initiative.
2022 Jun 13 - met with COMPOL Qiliho & his Executive team at the Mavida Lodge to share OOCSA’s vision & progress.
2022 Aug 31 - AGM - Community Policing Officer (Lev) Cpl.Sevuloni Nakalevu joins OOCSA.
2022 Sep 28 - Begin implementing concepts of ‘Community Link’ initiative.
2022 Nov 5 - Second community-based outrigger event….training, development & sprint event (Lami & Ovalau youth)...supported by FNSC. Theme: “Maximizing Local Potential By Merging Resources.”

2023 - Continue expanding and developing the #CommunityLink initiative to support overall local community development. Partners:-
FPF Community Policing Dept MWCPA Lev
FNSC MY&S Lev
NFA Lev Ovalau Sports Assoc
Ovalau Inter-denomination Youth Fellowship (OYIF)
…more to come…

Acknowledgement:-
“Vinaka Vakalevu to the crews (past & present) that joined us, helped to establish and continue to support OOCSA’s vision - drawn from all sectors of our local community - civil servants (Police, Corrections and Fire officers, doctors & medical staff, teachers), community elders/parents, church pastors, local businesses and private donors.”

22Jun2023.