Faced with geographical challenges, mobility and accessibility, the Lau Provincial Council turned to the Ministry of Youths and Sports to conduct leadership training for 20 of its youths identified for their potential and capabilities.

Representing the 17 islands in the Lau group of islands, the youths recently attended a one week training in Suva which was fully funded by the Ministry.

Youth and Sports Worker (Lau), Tomasi Vakausausa, indicated the main objective of the program is to provide knowledge and skills to the youths from Lau in basic leadership skills.

“The need to conduct leadership training realizes the fact that youths have talent, creativity and skills to explore ways of developing their communities and to become better citizens. In addition to this the participants will be able to improve their leadership skills and knowledge and encourage sustainability practice in the youth club and community project” Mr Vakausausa said.

“These youths are challenged by their geographical location, mobility and accessibility and the need to expose them to Government services is a priority.”

“The training will however assist the young men and women in developing their community through sustainable practice and good governance. The training should also benefit them in a number of ways to excel in different areas of their lives as future leaders” he added.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Honourable Laisenia Tuitubou, while speaking to the graduates during their graduation said that leadership is a gift which means that they must define and exhibit moral and ethical courage, setting an example for everyone in their communities.

“Your training this week has empowered you to have vision and motivate others to enhance their capabilities and accomplish their goals and dreams along with yours” Honourable Tuitubou told the graduates.

“Leadership is a gift and it means that you must define and exhibit moral and ethical courage, setting an example for everyone within your communities. To be a leader, you have to be innovative and go where there is no path, to be a trailblazer.”

The Minister encouraged the youths to lead wisely and gain the respect of their peers.

“As our leaders of tomorrow, Government looks towards you the youths of today for the continuous improvement and well-being of our nation and I encourage you to rise to the challenges we face today and tomorrow,”

The training is also used by the Ministry to reach out to the unreached and deliver its service to the youth despite their geographical location.