Social Empowerment and Education Program- SEEP

02/09/2026

The Social Empowerment Education Programme says withholding the full Constitution Review Commission report is leaving Fijians to “fill in the gaps” and turn to various sources […]

02/09/2026

SEEP said ordinary Fijians must have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the next stage of the constitutional review process.

02/09/2026

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/seep-wants-transparency-in-constitutional-review/

The Social Empowerment Education Programme is calling for greater transparency and public participation in Fiji’s constitutional review process.

02/09/2026

Calls for transparency on CRC report

The Social Empowerment Education Programme (SEEP) is questioning the lack of transparency surrounding the handover of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) report and Draft Constitution Amendment Bill to the President.
The CRC handed its Review Report and Draft Constitution Amendment Bill to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on 31 August.

People Participation
SEEP believes ordinary Fijians must have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the next stage of the constitutional review process.
This includes young people, women, persons with disabilities, community groups, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, workers, businesses and other members of society.

“Everyone has a say in the Constitution because it affects the way the country is governed and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens,” said Executive Director Chantelle Khan.

“People cannot meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their future if they do not have access to the information. Empowering people begins with giving them information. It encourages an open, transparent and inclusive process where every Fijian has an opportunity to understand and contribute to the discussion about our constitutional future”, Ms Khan said.

SEEP also calls for greater transparency around the constitutional review process and encourages the Government and all stakeholders to ensure that the public and the media are able to follow and understand the process.
SEEP believes openness builds public trust, reduces misinformation and supports informed national discussion.

Public money, public interest
SEEP points out that the CRC review process has been supported by public funds.

“So, there are a few concerns. Fijians, through taxpayers' money, have helped fund a process that was established to review the country's Constitution. Additionally, the Commission carried out consultations and received views from members of the public and different groups during its work. We believe that people who contributed to the process should be able to see the outcome”, Ms Khan stressed.

Public funding creates a strong public interest in transparency and accountability.

“This is not about accepting or rejecting CRC recommendations. Rather, SEEP believes that people should first be given the opportunity to see the full report and understand the recommendations before forming their own views. The public deserves the full information instead of it being meted out in bits and pieces as though serving an agenda we cannot yet see”, she added.

The full report has not yet been made available to the public.
SEEP believes this can create confusion and unnecessary concern.
“When people do not have access to the full information, they are left to fill in the gaps turning to various sources that can make it difficult for ordinary citizens to understand what has actually been proposed. Make the full report public immediately so that our people can read it for themselves and make informed decisions”, Ms Khan said.

Media Role
According to media reports, only the Ministry of Information team was allowed to cover the handover at State House that raises a further question - what is the reason for keeping the media away from an event that concerns the Constitution of Fiji and future of every Fijian.

The media plays an important role in a democratic society. It informs the public, asks questions and helps citizens understand important national issues.

When journalists are not given access to an important national event, the public is also denied an opportunity to see and understand the process through independent media coverage.
SEEP believes the media must be able to report on important national matters without unnecessary restrictions.

The handover of the CRC report was an important national event and therefore in the public interest for the media to be present and report on the event.

SEEP remains committed to promoting good governance practises including transparency, participation and access to information, toward strengthening Fiji's democracy.

01/09/2026

Last night, the SEEP team, led by our Deputy Director, were in Waila to present our reguregu. It was a difficult evening, but also a time to come together, remember Siti and be with his family in their grief.

Siti was more than a colleague. For many years, he was part of the SEEP family, sharing his time, hard work, kindness and commitment with the communities we work alongside. His presence, quiet strength and contribution will be remembered by many of us.

Siti’s body will depart Suva at around 3:30pm today, with a short stop at his home in Waila before continuing to his community of Savulotu Nakoilava, Ra. He will spend the night in Savulotu, with his funeral service at 10:00am tomorrow, followed by his burial.

We would also like to sincerely thank Ashmita Roshan, Lorima Veramu, friends and well wishers who have reached out with messages, prayers and financial contributions to support Siti’s family. Your kindness and solidarity have brought comfort during this difficult time.

As Siti makes his final journey home, our hearts and prayers remain with his wife, children, two grandchildren and the wider Loko family.

30/08/2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our CNE Site Assistant, Sitiveni Loko, who passed away on 26 August 2026.

Siti was one of SEEP’s longest-serving staff members. He first walked through our doors in 2013 as a Community Facilitator, a role he carried out with humility, dedication and a genuine commitment to the communities we work alongside.

Over the years, Siti grew with SEEP and eventually transitioned into a pivotal role within our business arm. His contribution went far beyond the work he was assigned. He shared his knowledge generously, built meaningful relationships and played an important part in the progress of many of our collaborating communities.

It is difficult to say goodbye to someone who has been part of the SEEP family for so many years. Siti would have turned 55 next month. Today, our hearts are with his family, who have lost a beloved son, father, uncle and grandfather, and with all those whose lives he touched through his work and his presence.

Moce Mada Siti! Your work here is done, but your legacy will continue in the lives you've touched. Rest Peacefully

Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the Loko family during this incredibly difficult time.

Funeral arrangements will be shared once confirmed.

For those who would like to make a contribution towards the family, kindly contact our Executive Officer, Manasa Duvaga.

19/08/2026

In the quiet and tranquil surroundings of Nakasi, we spent the past two days bringing together our SEEP Women Advocates in Training (WAIT) team, with women joining us from Tikina Kubulau, Wainunu, Nawaidina, Namosi, Wainikoroiluva and Nagonenicolo.

It was a space for talanoa, where women could openly share their experiences, reflect on what is happening within their respective women’s groups, and learn from one another.

More importantly, the gathering was about building solidarity, strengthening Women CBOs on the ground, and creating a strong network of women across communities and districts who can continue to support, encourage and advocate for one another.

The talanoa ended this afternoon, and tomorrow our women will return to their respective communities with renewed strength, shared ideas and a plan to put into action what they have discussed together.

Strong women. Strong communities. Stronger together.

14/08/2026

14/08/2026

As the dust settles, we reflect on a special day for the youths of Wainunu. 🏐❤️

On 12 August, the world paused to recognise and celebrate young people around the world. In Wainunu, SEEP, in collaboration with the Provincial Office Bua and the Vanua o Wainunu, came together to celebrate our young people through a day of mixed volleyball and fun.

The day was opened by the Turaga na Tui Wainunu, setting the tone for a celebration that belonged to the youths of Wainunu.

There is so much talent, energy and potential in our young people. The volleyball tournament brought Wainunu together, giving our youths a space to compete, have fun, build friendships and represent their communities with pride.

The day was also an opportunity for our young people to connect with different government services and learn about opportunities and issues that affect them.

We acknowledge and sincerely thank the Fiji Police Force, Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji Nabouwalu Office , Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Fijian Elections Office, Ministry of Youth and Sports FIJI and the Provincial Office Bua for joining us and sharing their knowledge and services with our youths.

A special vinaka vakalevu to the SEEP Front Line Monitors, our community collaborators, and everyone who helped make the day possible.

The talent is there. The potential is there. Let us continue creating spaces for the youths who are the leaders of today.

12/08/2026

August 12 was International Youth Day — a time to honor the energy, creativity, and leadership of young people everywhere.

The Lomani Au, Maroroi Au (LAMA) Namosi joined hands with their youth to celebrate this special day, showcasing unity, resilience, and the power of Indigenous youth voices in shaping a brighter future.