THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS

LAISENIA TUITUBOU

$1· Distinguished Guests
$1· Trainers
$1· Trainees
$1· Parents
$1· Ladies and Gentlemen
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Bula vinaka, Namaste, Salaam Aleikum and Good morning to you all.
It is always a pleasure to be part of our National Youth Training Centre graduation ceremonies.
I would like to congratulate those that are graduating today and also express my appreciation to the trainers in nurturing these inspirational young trainees.
I would also like to acknowledge the parents and everyone that involved in the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ training program who have strived to make the program a success.
Your dedication and commitment have truly paid off and I hope that all of you will continue to support this wonderful program for many years to come.
Through our Non-Formal Education training, we are committed in providing equal opportunities to youths who may have dropped out of the formal educational setting and are looking at ways to create and sustain their livelihoods.
My Ministry, and the Government, is all about empowerment and second chances. This training here is about empowerment in the music and performing arts area.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Ministry has 5 training centres through the nation’s four divisions. The training centres provide various modes of Non-Formal Education trainings to upskill our youths and provide them with that second chance that many of us need.
It is a means to provide appropriate vocational training to ensure career development and sustainable self-employment for the youths in Fiji.
This Youth Training Centre here in Valelevu, or the National Youth Band Program, has been one of the stand out programs of the Ministry.
The training centre is renowned for the National Youth Band and has produced number of youths who have excelled in the field of music.
Our graduates have been able to find permanent employment in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band, the Fiji Police Force Band, in the Fiji Corrections Services, Secondary Schools as Physical Education, Art and Craft and Music teachers, in the British army and in hotels and other tourist destinations around the country.
This in itself is the true testament to the commitment made by the Ministry to propel the youths in Fiji forward. Our main focus has always been to provide Fijian youths with fair and equal employment and training opportunities.
Graduates, as you enter the next exciting phase of your lives today, please remember that this is just the beginning of the future that you see for yourselves. You all will need to reflect on the lessons you have learned, the perseverance and sacrifices required in order to achieve your full aspirations.
We have taught you about harmony – working as a team.
You have learned how to do solo parts – lead the team.
You have been through our Seeds of Success training and understand the 12 seeds including time management, respect and discipline.
We have provided a platform for you but it is only you who can spring into the future using that platform.
Each future option comes with its own attraction and challenges. Do not get disheartened, if you fail initially, keep trying. Each of us has experienced failure in some way. But each of us uses that as a lesson to help us grow and develop.
Some of you will know Miley Cyrus, singer and song writer, who said: “I always say the minute I stop making mistakes is the minute I stop learning and I’ve definitely learned a lot.”
We have heard several stories in our childhood such as the ‘story of ant, who tries to climb the mountain’ or ‘slow and steady wins the race’ and many more.
The moral of all these stories is common: that you should keep trying until you succeed and no matter that you are slow but if you are steady, you are certainly going to win.
We all want to be successful, but remember that success comes to those that are ready to commit themselves and address the challenges in your journey.
Life is not a race and it is not about beating others to win. Instead, you must try to remain grounded even whether you succeed or fail – at your first attempt.
You all are the future of our nation; you must also try to fulfil your social responsibilities so that the next generation can follow your footsteps.
Today, we need people who are successful yet considerate. You have the ability to introduce changes and bring revolution – and evolution - in every field.
So stay focused and follow your journey towards success.
With those words I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Vinaka, Dhanyabad, Shokran and Thank you all.