The University of the South Pacific has collaborated with the Sai Prema Foundation (SPF) to foster cooperation, understanding, strategic alliance and partnership with the aim of serving people and making a difference in multiple ways.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 24 March, 2021, formalising the partnership between USP and SPF to cooperate in areas of mutual interest. Under the MoU, USP students and staff will be able to access free medical care at the Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre in Nasese.
USP plans to work with SPF to organise blood drives for hospitals, advocate for good health and well-being, foster ethical and mental health awareness and promote volunteerism by university students.
USP Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, Dr Giulio Paunga said the Sai Prema Foundation Fiji is an institution that is making a positive social impact and believes that collaborating with the Foundation will add value to the USP community.
“Through this engagement, the University will be benefiting from free medical consultations and service for USP students.”
Dr Paunga added that the University was thankful to the Foundation for coming on board to partner with USP and to offer its services to the University community.
“Our students and staff are already engaged in voluntary efforts towards health and blood drives as part of the University’s community engagement efforts and this collaboration with the Foundation will enable us to contribute further towards community development through promotion of healthy living and wellbeing,” said Dr Paunga.
Foundation Director, Mr Sumeet Tappoo said that he was delighted to foster this collaborative partnership with USP and that it is a part of their continuing efforts to serve the people of Fiji.
“The signing of this collaborative partnership is an important step in Sai Prema Foundation’s mission of ensuring that we advocate good health and wellbeing amongst our population and what better way of doing this than by looking after our youth by providing them with free quality healthcare” said Mr. Tappoo.
Mr. Tappoo added that the partnership with USP has also opened doors for cooperation in numerous ways for the betterment of all.
“Our motto is Love All-Serve All. We have no other interest apart from serving our nation and this collaborative partnership will give a platform for not only looking after the health of students and staff of the University but also the opportunity to embark on initiatives such as blood drives as well as advocating for wellness and positivity” he said.
He also added that the Foundation has plans to expand the scope of this partnership in the near future.
“In due course, we will also conduct workshops in areas such as mental health and promote positive human values through a variety of ways. I am also of the opinion that the concept of community service and compassion for others must be inculcated into the youth and young of our nation. The Foundation will give this platform for students to be a part of various community service initiatives to serve the underprivileged and needy people of Fiji” said Mr. Sumeet Tappoo.
About Sai Prema Foundation
The Sai Prema Foundation Fiji is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) and a registered Charitable Organisation under the Charitable Trust Act of Fiji, founded to serve the poor, underprivileged and needy people of Fiji through Medicare, Educare and Sociocare initiatives. For more information about the Foundation, visit – www.saipremafiji.com
