Suva, February 03 – Youths of Naqarawai district and Saliadrau village in Namosi told the Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Iliesa Delana on Tuesday that they are in need of empowerment and capacity building training.

Hon. Delana met with youths of Wainimakutu and Saliadrau village and was told of the need by youth of the two villages. Saliadrau youth club president Niko Nawave said; “We currently have projects and plans both short and long-term, but we realise that we need to have further knowledge in order for us to excel.”

“We therefore request the Assistant Minister if the ministry can provide empowerment and capacity building trainings so it can enlighten our perspective on resource development, management and leadership,” said Nawave.

“The minister’s visit has really boosted the youths Saliadrau and we know that Government and the ministry cares and is depending on youths to drive the economic development of our community,” said Nawave.

The Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Iliesa Delana again braved the elements and the distance on Tuesday and was on horseback and travelled to Saliadrau village.

Saliadrau village headman Iosefo Lagilevu said; “Hon. Delana is the first minister to set foot on our village.”

“This is history for us and is a personification of Government’s commitment to bring about development and service to the rural dwellers,” said Lagilevu. “We saw that commitment in Hon. Delana braving the swift current of the Namosi River and on horseback to reach out to the young people and the villagers.”

“It was an emotional day for the elders but they were elated at the same time and the youths have been challenged to bring about positive changes that will benefit their lives and the community,” said the village headmen Lagilevu.

Hon. Delana urged youth of Saliadrau and Wainmakutu “to utilise their natural resources and Government will step in to assist to add value to their efforts if they work harder.”

“The ministry will ensure that the capacity building and empowerment training is brought for youth of Nawarawai and Wainilotulevu districts that is targeted at management and leadership that will help you realise and unlock your hidden potential,” said Hon. Delana.