The parade commander of the Naqere Youth Training Centre, Joeli Yabaki, shared that his experience in receiving the Baton of Honour has highlighted the importance of time management. The 18-year-old, originally from Nabouwalu in Bua, participated in the carpentry program at the training facility in Savusavu.
Mr. Yabaki described the cadet passing-out parade for students from the Fiji National Youth Training Centre as a deeply emotional and overwhelming event. The parade featured a combined graduation of students from two Ministry of Youth training centres located in Naleba, Labasa, and Naqere, Savusavu. A total of twenty-five male and seven female cadets graduated from Naleba, while Naqere celebrated the completion of their training with 24 male and two female students.
He noted that the seven weeks of cadet training instilled a sense of discipline and honesty among participants, teaching them about their roles as patriotic citizens. “The training helped me grow as a person and make wise and timely judgments while leading the parade,” he stated.
With his family in attendance, Mr. Yabaki remarked that many youths today often engage in unproductive activities, but he learned the value of utilizing time wisely in meaningful endeavors. As the overall best all-round cadet, he emphasized the need for this cadet training program to continue each year to positively shape more students.
He acknowledged that all cadets initially faced pressures regarding their performance from parents and teachers. However, he observed that with each successful drill, their confidence steadily improved.