Sixteen young men celebrated their graduation from the Tagane Mai Program, a unique four-month initiative aimed at helping at-risk youth regain control over their lives. Most of the graduates have faced significant hardships, including challenges such as living on the streets and struggling to find their way back to normalcy.

The program, facilitated by Inspire Pacific, focuses on empowering young Pacific Islanders, helping them build their confidence and equipping them with essential life skills. This event marks a pivotal moment not just for the graduates but for the community they belong to, demonstrating the profound impact of commitment and support from guided initiatives.

Inspire Pacific’s Chair and Executive Director, Peni Morrison, highlighted the dreams and potential within these young men. “They are young men with dreams, and while there’s a lot of news about all the problems with our young people, we see hope and opportunity in the individuals we are serving,” Morrison stated. The initiative aims to nurture those dreams and present an environment conducive to growth and self-discovery.

During the program, participants worked on intense personal development and received mentorship, workshops, and educational training designed to foster emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, expressed her admiration for the efforts of Inspire Pacific and emphasized the importance of building support systems for fathers to broaden the program’s impact.

These young men, aged between 10 and 18, were referred to the Tagane Mai Program through various avenues, including the Ministry of Social Welfare. Many faced barriers to re-entering the educational system, while others had recently transitioned from juvenile centers. Morrison added that the program has successfully rehabilitated participants, enabling them to reconnect with education and secure necessary support.

For many, graduation signifies a new beginning rather than merely finishing a program. This fresh start is an inspiration, showcasing how community collaboration and dedicated programs can provide vital opportunities for growth and reintegration into society.

Overall, the Tagane Mai Program exemplifies hope and positivity, underscoring the role of community support in transforming the futures of at-risk youth. Its success serves as a model for similar initiatives across Fiji, reinforcing the potential of collective efforts to create meaningful change in young lives.