By Luse Tamani, OCCUL Secretariat Officer
Time has flown so rapidly and it’s amazing to realise that we’re at the end of another year. It is at this time of year we take the opportunity to reflect and look back on the year that has been. For CUFA, 2013 has been yet another successful year with our projects continuing to reach 4 million people living in poverty throughout the Asia Pacific region – a successful year made possible by the wonderful support we receive from all of you.
To read about CUFA’s great year, you can view CUFA’s 2012-13 Annual Report by clicking here.
As mutuals around Australia prepare for the holiday period, the credit unions in Fiji are busy preparing for the Christmas season too. Luse Tamani, Secretariat for the Oceanic Confederation of Credit Union Leagues (OCCUL) shares how credit unions in Fiji prepare for the busy period.
For most credit unions in Fiji, Christmas is a time to reflect on the year that’s been – to reminisce on operations and services, what they did well, what could have worked better and what needs improvement for the future.
Like in Australia, Christmas is a time to take a much needed break after a year of hard work and service to members. It is not all holidays though as credit unions still operate with minimal staff to ensure its doors remain open to meet the many needs of members during this period. It is interesting to note that many in Fiji use the festive season, to undertake traditional obligations and ceremonies involving extended families and relatives. These can be quite costly and for this purpose credit unions remain open and active to cater for the influx of members who rely on their credit unions to assist with such matters during Christmas.
For the industrious credit unions who like to think and plan ahead, the holiday season will be an opportune time to regroup and strategise for 2014.
As most prepare to bid the year farewell the excitement of Holidays, rest and relaxation beckons. The Fiji Credit Union Movement and its members will also enjoy a much needed break during this festive season before returning refreshed and re-energized for the New Year.
From the team back in Fiji here’s wishing that the joy and blessings of Christmas fills every heart and home to overflowing and that 2014 will be bigger, better and brighter for everyone!
