ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS

HON.ALIPATE TUICOLO NAGATA

                                                                                                               Thursday 28th January, 2021, 3:30PM

 Master of Ceremonies
Divisional manager Central
Trainers and Staff
Youth Participants
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
 

Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all,

 We are here now to close this week of training on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. It is my sincere hope that the young people who have gathered this week have developed their own minds in regards to their sexuality, their families and their futures.

 At the outset, I must thank the trainers and our staff serving the Central Division for this training which will benefit many of our youths.

 Ladies and Gentlemen, it is pleasing to note the equal participation and contribution made by all the 64 youth participants here with us. We, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports strive to build healthy and socially engaged youth through non-formal education. This program is an opportunity for participants to gather and explore the topics of human rights, sexuality and gender, reproduction, healthy relationships, and mental health care so that they may carry these lessons throughout their lives and in every endeavour they undertake.

 Ladies and Gentlemen, Government is committed in providing workshops and short courses to individual’s .Youth Health and Wellbeing is one of the four Strategic Priorities for the Ministry. To support the on-going development of young people, this empowerment training is focused on empowering the youth participants with information to help them make healthy lifestyle choices and skills so that they are better   able to actively contribute to their communities and society.

 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to note that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has conducted a total of nine Empowerment trainings on SRHR for this financial year .From these nine trainings, a total of 408 youths have benefitted and have been empowered as a result.

 The Ministry, through our non-formal education program, has provided many youths an opportunity to be employed and sustain their livelihoods over many years.  The lessons you have learned here will provide a foundation of practical health and medical knowledge, well-being, and respect. Upon this foundation, you young people can build towards your dreams; whether they are building your own business or farm, pursuing a career in sports or music, or continuing with your formal education goals.

 Our programs provide accredited training and we seek to maximize the potential of our youths and provide them with an avenue to achieve their goals in life.

 The Fijian Government, through our Ministry, is determined to strengthen the youth sector here in Fiji.  This is not limited to providing non–formal education but includes the areas of sports and development of sporting facilities too.

 Our vision is to build values that lead to success.

 Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope that this programme will enable you to achieve your goals and aspirations because they are our national goals and aspirations. Please encourage other youths to take up courses to have a purpose driven life.

 Your Government is committed to an inclusive policy for all Fijians regardless of your ethnicity, social background, status, colour or culture.

 I encourage you all to remain focused and use what you have learnt this week to your advantage.

I also urge our youths set your priorities and always strive for the best.

 With those words, I congratulate you all and hope that the skills learnt during the training assist you in your future endeavours.