Temo Sasau, Tetra Tech’s Program Officer for the Australian Government’s Fiji Program Support Facility, exemplifies the importance of empowering local actors to lead.
In Fiji, we are supporting the Australian Government to streamline and enhance the delivery of development aid across the health, education, governance and emergency preparedness sectors. To ensure the program’s success, equity and inclusion are at the heart of all interventions. The goal is to reach the most marginalised and vulnerable communities and to sustain the program’s positive impact. To do this, Tetra Tech is committed to engaging and empowering local Fijian stakeholders and actors – like Temo – to own, implement and carry out work to continue achieving objectives even after the program ends.
Tetra Tech values the personal and professional journeys of all our employees and we are committed to supporting them. In Fiji, we are pleased to highlight Temo’s experience as an example of why that commitment is so meaningful. This is Temo’s first-hand story.
In 2007, I was diagnosed with HIV. This diagnosis was a painful point in my life, but it also marked the beginning of my journey towards advocacy and empowerment. My journey, both personal and professional, has been a testament to resilience, empathy and the power of inclusion. My story is shaped by a personal challenge that transformed into a powerful motivator.
Being open about my diagnosis has not only created a shared understanding within the community, but also helped normalise the condition within broader society. We have come a long way in accepting and including people with HIV, but a lot more still needs to be done. My own experience with HIV has given me a profound understanding of the importance of gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) in empowering all communities in Fiji. It has taught me that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has a unique perspective and potential to contribute to society. This belief has been the driving force behind my career and has shaped my approach to program work.
Localisation and development outcomes
I joined Tetra Tech, formally Coffey, in 2014. As a program officer, my role is more than just a job title. It’s a commitment to the local communities we serve. I liaise with other programs, organise logistical arrangements and ensure smooth operations on the ground. But more importantly, I work to empower local stakeholders and enhance development outcomes in Fiji.
Localisation is about understanding the unique needs, strengths and potential of our local communities. It’s about ensuring that our initiatives are not merely implemented, but are embraced by the people they are designed to help.
This approach has proven highly effective in improving development outcomes, as it fosters ownership, builds capacity and ensures the sustainability of our initiatives.
Powerful professional and personal support
Working with Tetra Tech has been an empowering experience, both professionally and personally.
Tetra Tech has supported my growth and development. I’ve completed training in monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), which has empowered me to effectively analyse our initiatives on the ground. I’m currently learning about the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique, which is helping me better understand the impact of our activities, when monitoring and evaluating complex development interventions.
But it’s also from a personal perspective, where the Tetra Tech team has been a vital emotional support. This was paramount when my son, Eparama, became unexpectedly ill with a late-stage brain tumour, and not long after, tragically passed away from cancer.
Throughout the traumatic period, the local Tetra Tech team checked in regularly and provided us with the space and time to grieve, while letting me know I was fully supported both at home and upon return to work. My son’s passing has further steeled my motivation and determination to give my best and improve the lives of those in the local community.
Inclusion: the power of local ownership
I believe that the value of Tetra Tech lies in its commitment to listening to those we serve and ensuring their inclusion in all phases of a project.
This approach guarantees the sustainability of our initiatives and leaves a visible footprint in the communities we serve.
My vision for the future of international development in Fiji is for our leaders to listen more to the people they serve. I believe in the importance of ownership of any activity being implemented. We need to ask ourselves, ‘What does ownership look like?’ and ‘How can we ensure the sustainability of our projects?’
Working with Tetra Tech has been a journey of resilience, empathy, and empowerment. It’s taught me that our experiences shape us and the lens through which we view our work.
I look forward to continuing my journey with Tetra Tech, empowering local communities, and enhancing development outcomes in Fiji.
Together, we are making a difference and shaping a brighter future for Fiji. This is the power of inclusion and localisation. It shows us that when we invest in our people, we’re investing in our nation’s future.
Read more about Tetra Tech International’s work with the Fiji Program Support Facility.
About the author
Temo Sasau
Temo Sasau is a program officer with the Fiji Program Support Facility.