MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS
HONOURABLE PARVEEN KUMAR BALA
Saturday 7th November 2020, 11:25AM,
• District Officer Rotuma ;
• Government Stakeholders in Rotuma;
• District Chiefs of Rotuma;
• Members of the respective youth clubs;
• Trainers
• Ladies and Gentlemen;
Noa’ia, ni sa bula vinaka and a very good day to you all.
I’m pleased to be with you all today in the beautiful island of Rotuma to close the two Empowerment trainings. It is also pleasing to be here to mark the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of some potential youths as I will handover to them-assistance under our Youth Farm Initiative Program.
At the outset, I wish to thank you for a warm welcome, Vinaka!
Ladies and Gentlemen, graced by white sandy beaches, nestled under swaying palm trees and golden sunshine, the island of Rotuma has seen me travel as far and wide from the mainland of Fiji just to be here face-to-face with our dear youths .I understand that a good number will benefit from the programs set in place for them here in Rotuma by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Health and Well-being Empowerment Training, focused on Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights is so important .For most young people, their sexual and reproductive health and rights are a crucial part of their lives. Therefore, this training and the knowledge it brings, should enable young people to make more informed decisions regarding their own sexual health and rights.
The other training which took place focused on Mobile Skills training, has seen youth participants undergo a weeklong training on entrepreneurship to provide them a sense of direction in making use of the vast and rich resources readily available to them on the island.
These programs are in line with the Youth Capacity Building Program which the Ministry utilizes to empower, capacitate and enhance youth’s knowledge on socio – economic development and provides various technical skills and training offered as part of the youth development program.
Ladies and Gentlemen, these are the new normal times as we have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the impact of the pandemic, I note with gratitude the shift in attitude among our youths and I wish that you will continue with the work you are doing that will ultimately assist you, your families and your communities.
The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, through the National Employment Centre also offers skills training for youths. Thus the Fijian Government is committed in providing workshops and short courses to individuals so that they are able to find employment or continue with further studies.
The Fijian Government, through the different ministries is determined to strengthen the youth sector in Fiji. The sole reason for this exercise is to have a vibrant youth sector in the near future which contributes to the economy, reducing poverty and equalising living standards.
As an effort of the government’s all-inclusive policy to reach the unreached, the ministry had also provided an opportunity to the youths of Rotuma to voice their opinions towards the national youth policy review. This policy will reflect issues that concern our national youth populace and the island of Rotuma has not been forgotten during a series of consultations that took place around the country from November 2019 to February 2020.This is in line with our national agenda of not leaving anyone behind.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope that these short courses have enabled you to achieve your goals and aspirations. Your Government is committed to an inclusive policy for all Fijians.
As I have mentioned earlier on- Ladies and Gentlemen, I will also be handing over to 6 well-deserved youth clubs; farming tools and vegetable seedlings. This Youth Farm Initiative program provides grants to youth clubs to cultivate land and grow crops. It is a great co-operative venture, because the Mataqali set aside land for the young people and the Government provides grants for equipment, tools, vegetable seedlings, water tanks, fencing materials-just to name a few.
These young people will put land to use and be able to earn income through the sale of the harvest. Many young Fijians, including some here in Rotuma, made their living in tourism –which was the Industry hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are assisting those who are out-of-work or on reduced hours, these youths deserve the chance to work again and that is why we are here today.
We must be proud that these young people have switched from victim-mode mentality and instead chosen a new and innovative pathway to earn an income in farming, I wish them all the very best!
Today, I am very happy to congratulate the six youth clubs for the grants they will receive. There are 100 members in total, and the income they produce will not only benefit them but be of great help to their families too.
Finally ladies and Gentlemen, at this juncture I would like to extend my appreciation to other stakeholders who have provided assistance to help these youths as well.
As part of the government’s agenda in strengthening youth development, we have stationed an Assistant Youth Officer, here in Rotuma, where major focus is to identify and support youth needs .Such officers create awareness regarding the ministry’s programs and activities.
I encourage you all to remain focus and use what you will learn this week to your advantage. Set your priorities and always strive for the best.
I also urge our youths to learn new skills and continue to upgrade yourselves because that is what is required in these changing times.
With those words, I wish you all the best and wish you well in your future endeavours.
Fãiåk-se’ea, Vinaka-vakalevu and Thank you!!!