Suva, November 10 – The Minister for Youth and Sports, the Honourable Laisenia Tuitubou, handed over handicraft tools to the Visoto Young Women’s club in Levuka yesterday.

The Honourable Minister requested the youth group to use the tools to sustain their livelihoods.
“The tools provided will assist your women’s club in processing and furnishing handicraft materials,” he said. “This will allow you an opportunity to generate income and support your families.”
Further, the Minister highlighted the need for women empowerment in individual communities.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports ensures that all youth groups receive equal assistance regardless of gender, ethnicity and physical ability,” he said.
“The inclusion of young women is equally important for youth groups as they can make positive contributions to the betterment of the club.”
Some of the equipment provided included a handsaw, grinder, wood glue, thinner and other materials.
The Visoto club secretary, Mrs. Lagilagi Qatia, sincerely thanked the Minister and the Ministry for the timely assistance.
“This assistance comes at an opportune moment when we are trying to develop and upskill our young women to be productive and successful,” she said.
“Our young women will market their products at the Levuka market and then will look to expand their market in Suva and Nausori.”
Visoto Young Women’s club aims to secure a sustainable handicraft shop in Levuka town since there are no handicraft outlets on the island which also has been declared a World Heritage site.