Suva, April 25 – Young people are carriers and vessels of inclusion and human rights issues and can harness effective campaigns on these issues affecting Fijians especially women and children.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou, made the remarks while closing a Youth Empowerment training at Yavu village on Batiki Island in Lomaiviti last Friday, in which two persons with special needs also participated.

“It is encouraging to see that there are two persons with special needs attending this workshop,” said Hon. Tuitubou. “The Ministry is emphasising equity and the need to be inclusive in our training and activities.”

“I commend youths and youth club administrators as well as the men and women on the island who looked beyond the disabilities of your fellow Fijians and supported them to carry out normal daily activities and to be part of this training,” said Hon Tutubou.

The Ministry organised a week-long Empowerment Training which was attended by 30 youths on Batiki island.

“The training included Seeds of Success, sexual reproductive health and gender-based violence against women and children,” said Hon. Tuitubou. “These are hot issues right now and we are taking a proactive approach in empowering young people about them.”

“The Ministry commended the inclusive intuition evident during the training and I challenge all to embrace the knowledge attained from the training and pass it on to younger generations,” said Hon. Tuitubou.

Josefa Lasagavibau, a person with special needs said; “The training has really boosted my confidence to be a regular part of my community.”

“I have gained a lot from this training,” said Josefa. “The privilege I was offered to be an active part of this group and the responsibilities I was being trusted with really means a lot and is life-changing.”

Single mum, Avisake Wainiqolo, also attended the training and said; “I wish to be an advocate of STIs on the island and create more awareness before it reaches us and our younger people.”

“We, the young women, are now empowered from this training and we will strengthen our network amongst ourselves so we can venture into new things for our benefit,” said Avisake.

“We are grateful to Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for bringing this training and definitely Batiki now won’t be the same,” said Avisake.

The Youth and Sports Minister also visited Wainaloka Village in Ovalau to hand over some assistance, then travelled by punt to Baitiki then to Nairai and Gau.

Hon. Tuitubou is expected to travel to parts of Lau province next month.