Delana tours, meets Cakaudrove youths

Suva, June 08 – The Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, Honourable Iliesa Delana, is visiting youths and youth clubs in Cakaudrove province, Vanua Levu this week.

Earlier in the week, Hon. Delana met with youths from Keka, Vatuvonu, Naviavia villages of the tikina of Wailevu and reinforced the Ministry’s commitments, programs and services available for youths.

“Youth clubs need to learn to communicate, and create networks, not only with the Ministry but to all available service providers and agencies that can harness development,” Hon. Delana told youths.

“If you have been registered with us and do not communicate with us through regular reporting, the Ministry will not be able to deliver and meet your needs effectively,” said the Assistant Youth and Sports Minister.

He emphasised that “the Ministry promotes and delivers ‘needs based programs and training’ and young people need to strengthen your communication skills to update and inform the Ministry of your challenges and needs”.

“Youth are tech-savvy and love social media,” said Hon. Delana. “You are to be trained and empowered to use it effectively for your growth and progress.”

Hon. Delana also visited Valeni village and was told that youths do not have easy accessibility to their farms so they can easily take their produce to the markets as was shared in Keka.

“Youths have energy and can really produce excellent results when you are committed to your work,” said Hon. Delana. “We just have to support you and recognise your efforts so you can continue and grow.”

“There is a great need for training from the youths and the Ministry will see how it can assist in ensuring that the right training is provided for these youths,” said the Assistant Youth and Sports Minister.

Acting Principal Youth Officer Northern Division, Mr Taniela Tuinaceva, said; “There is a great appreciation from youth and youth clubs in Vanua Levu to have both Ministers visiting them.”

“The response has been overwhelming and the awareness of our services and programs is very effective,” said Mr Tuinaceva. “We are also linking these youth clubs to relevant Government Ministries to meet other development needs.”

Hon. Delana ends his visit in Cakaudrove today.