Mr Joshko Waqaniyasi Our world of Difference Candidate

Meet our World Of Difference Candidate #WOD Mr. Joshko Wakaniyasi . He is also the Executive Director for The Spinal Injury Association of Fiji (SIA). Spinal Injury of Fiji also improves the lives of people living with physical impairment in Fiji through services including provision of mobility equipment, employment schemes and advocating for the rights of disabled people. You can find out more about our projects, services and how we can help by clicking on the links above.
Under Joshko’s management, the SIA have developed and implemented a number of key programs; including the Mobility Device Service, the Urinary Management Program, the IDEA (Include Disability Employ This Ability) Program, SIA Women and SIA Youth.
In the disability sector
Joshko’s efforts have been recognised by several major organisations – he is Vodafone Foundation Fiji’s longest serving ‘World of Difference’ candidate, working on key ‘Physically Challenged Enabling Project’ activities; and is the recipient of the 2013 ‘South Pacific Community Regional Rights Resource Team Human Rights Award’ “for co-developing and designing the IDEA Program. Engaging with various stakeholders, advocating for persons with disabilities in gaining employment.” In 2016 he was also given the Rotary Suva ‘Paul Harris Fellow Award’ for “service above self.”

As well as his duties at SIA, Joshko is active in the wider disability sector. He is on the steering committee of United Nations Volunteers, a council member of Fiji National Council of Disabled Persons, a board member of Fiji Council of Social Services and a working group member of the Sustainable Goals Development Fund.