EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - JOSHKO WAKANIYASIThe SIA's Executive Director, Joshko Wakaniyasi, was born in Suva in 1972.
He was educated at Holy Trinity Primary School, Suva and Marist Brothers High School, Suva before commencing a career in the corporate sector, holding managerial positions at Sims Pacific Fiji and other international private sector organisations. |
At the SIA |
In 2007 he joined the disability sector, focusing on improving the lives of people living with spinal injury and physical impairment, and became interim President of the SIA. In 2008 he became permanent President until 2012, when he took on the role of Executive Director.
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. |