THE MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS
HON.PARVEEN KUMAR BALA
Address at , Level 4, Civic House
Wednesday, 24th March, 1:00PM
• His Excellency The Ambassador of Japan to Fiji;
• Representatives from the Japanese Embassy;
• My Ministry Staff;
• Members of the Media;
• Ladies and Gentlemen;
Bula Vinaka and Good day to you all!
I take this opportunity once again to welcome the Ambassador of Japan to Fiji and his delegation from the Japanese Embassy. I hope that you have been received well and have enjoyed our hospitality this far.
At this juncture, I wish to acknowledge the Japanese Government for their assistance .This marks the beginning of diplomatic ties between the Embassy of Japan and the Ministry of Youth and Sports and will help in moving the Fijian Youth sector in the right direction. Thank you, Mr. Kawakami Fumihiro for your support.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Japan and the Republic of Fiji have been enjoying friendly and cooperative relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. Such relations have been developed through exchange of visits and Japan’s economic cooperation.
Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fijian Government has been at the forefront of the development and growth of youth and sports sector in Fiji. We have ensured that the youth sector is not only adequately funded but also better resourced with proper technical expertise. This is an initiative that Government is continuing to pursue in the hope of securing additional assistance in this area.
This is our ongoing commitment.
Thus the total grant assistance of $60,211 USD provided by the Japanese Embassy will assist in areas of positive youth development. My Ministry has been handing over grant assistance to youths who wish to engage in farming and we’ve also carried out a number of Empowerment Trainings and Mobile Skills Trainings.
The training is inclusive of all Fijian youths despite ethnic background, gender, physical and sensory ability. We have a holistic approach where youths have opportunities to grow and become self-sufficient. Our youth empowerment, life skills and leadership programs coupled with other training are intended to empower and encourage youths to have a voice in our society.
Having said that I must once again acknowledge the assistance provided to the Ministry by our friends from Japan.
Rest assured that the grant will be put to best use.
Vinaka and Thank you all.