Joeli Yabaki, the parade commander from the Naqere Youth Training Centre, has expressed that his achievement of receiving the Baton of Honour has imparted valuable lessons in time management. The 18-year-old, hailing from Nabouwalu in Bua, participated in the carpentry program at the training center located in Savusavu.
He described the recently held cadet passing-out parade for students of the Fiji National Youth Training Centre as both emotional and overwhelming. Students from two Ministry of Youth training facilities, Naleba in Labasa and Naqere in Savusavu, took part in a joint cadet passing-out ceremony.
In total, 25 male and seven female cadets graduated from Naleba, while Naqere saw 24 male and two female cadets complete their training. Yabaki noted that the seven-week cadet program was instrumental in fostering discipline and integrity while educating young people about their responsibilities as patriotic citizens.
“The training has helped me develop personally and make sound, timely decisions in leading the parade,” Yabaki stated. With family members in attendance at the event, he commented on how many youths tend to engage in unproductive pursuits today. He emphasized the importance of utilizing time wisely for more meaningful activities.
As the overall best all-rounder of the program, Yabaki advocated for the continuation of the cadet training annually to positively influence more students. He acknowledged the initial pressure cadets felt to live up to the expectations of parents and teachers, but noted that confidence levels improved with each successful drill.