Minister reaches Druadrua, Kavewa youths
Suva, June 07 – Isolation and transportation challenges hinder progress and development for youths of Drudrua and Kavewa islands, Macuata outside Vanua Levu.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou, defied the odds and travelled on the open sea to meet youths of both islands late last week and hear their challenges and needs.
“It is the commitment of the Ministry to reach out to isolated youth clubs and youths and create awareness of the services available for them and how they can access them,” said Hon. Tuitubou.
“Youths also during such open talanoa sessions voice their concerns and needs freely to Ministry officials and myself,” said Hon. Tuitubou.
“Youths from both Druadrua and Kavewa islands are in need of multi-skills training offered by the Ministry like small engine repair, fibre-glass boat repairs and boat master training,” said the Youth and Sports Minister.
He added that such training would complement and boost their livelihoods since they depend on the sea and sea produce as their source of income and food.
Hon. Tuitubou added that most youth clubs are “also requesting sports assistance.”
“The increase in sports assistance received by the Ministry is consistent and this could be the Rio Gold Medal win and an increase in other sports awareness programs and publicity,” said the Youth and Sports Minister.
Minister Tuitubou however reiterated to the youths that physical activity is also a “priority for the Ministry as it helps promote wellness and healthy living to help prevent non-communicable diseases”.
Minister Tuitubou also told youths of both islands “to venture into income generating projects and participate in the economic development of Vanua Levu and our nation.”
Cagimaiwai Youth Club president of Kavewa Island, Maika Tuidravi said; “It was a rare opportunity to meet with the Minister and have a talanoa session with him.”
“We have been enlightened on the processes and the services available for us at the Ministry and other Government departments”.
“We always heard and seen Hon. Minister on TV and we are very privileged to meet him today. His presence has encouraged us to strengthen our youth club and initiate projects though the support given by the divisional office”.
During the visits, Hon. Tuitubou also handed over some assistance and equipment to youth clubs in Macuata.
This included a gym set to the “Can Do Generation youth club”, some musical instruments to the Vunilalala youth club, a chainsaw to Korowiri Flying Fijians, musical instruments to the Qaraniqoli youth club and a brush cutter to Daku combined youth club, all made possible through a grant from the Chinese Embassy.
The Minister for Youth and Sports is currently touring the Lau Province this week and will return next week.