Ministry willing to assist reopen youth centre
Suva, May 19 – The Ministry of Youth and Sports is willing to assist in the reopening of the training centre on Koro Island for youths there.
Minister for Youth and Sports was on Koro and received request for Government assistance on the damaged training centre.
“Apparently the training centre belonged to the Methodist Church and used to be administered under the National Youth Services before the National Employment Centre was formed,” said Hon. Tuitubou. “It has been idle for a while, and the Koro Development Committee has made a commitment to renovate and reopen the centre.”
“Similar centre is in Gau and is now being administered by the Ministry of Agriculture as their training centre,” said Hon. Tuitubou.
He added that “the Ministry or Government is ready to compliment the efforts by the community and other stakeholder in Koro revive the centre.”
Youth and Sports Minister Tuitubou told the islanders; “It is encouraging to hear your passion towards reviving the training centre and for youth development work.”
“If appropriate renovations are carried out, the Ministry can facilitate in providing programs, training and trainers for the centre, on par with our other centres and also in line with the non-formal education policy that we are administering,” said Hon. Tuitubou.
He encouraged the youth and elders in Koro to pursue their plans and ensure it is achieved for the betterment of their island.
Chair of the Koro Development Committee, Mr Joji Qaranivalu said; “We are hoping that Government or the Youth and Sports Ministry can partner with us in this development.”
“The centre was badly damaged by TC Winston also damaged and we seriously contemplating re-opening the centre for our youths soon.”
Mr Qaranivalu added that they have been impressed by the efforts of youth of Koro carrying out rehabilitation and the impact of the training brought to them.
He added that the Methodist circuit on Koro Island and the whole of Koro community and the Development Committee has unanimously agreed to re-open the training centre, hoping the Ministry will support their plans.