Forty-seven students from Nadi, who underwent training by police officers, are now equipped to assume leadership roles within their communities.
These students, hailing from various schools across Nadi and Sigatoka, participated in a two-day Blue Light leadership training and practical skills development workshop at Korovuto College in Nadi.
The initiative was organized by Blue Light, a registered charity based in New Zealand that partners with the police to provide a variety of youth programs and activities.
Blue Light’s objectives include decreasing the chances of young individuals becoming offenders or victims of crime, while also enhancing relationships between law enforcement, youth, parents, and the broader community.
On Wednesday, these 47 students celebrated their graduation from the program.
Divisional Police Commander West Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa urged the graduates to become catalysts for change in their schools and communities.
“Keep a close eye on everything you have learned. We gathered from various parts of Nadi because we see your potential as young leaders,” SSP Vaisewa said.
He highlighted the risks that some of their peers face, involving activities that jeopardize their safety, such as drug use, sexual offenses, assault, burglary, and theft.
“There are individuals among you engaging in drug use, glue sniffing, and sharing explicit images for money and sex. This tarnishes the reputation of our youth today and presents a significant challenge for our beloved Fiji,” he warned.
SSP Vaisewa emphasized that the path some peers are taking does not define their future.
“You still have the chance to choose the right path,” he stated while encouraging them to recognize their own worth and potential.
“Understand your capabilities and the significance of your decisions. Regardless of what others may say about you, know your value and abilities. You were selected for this program to be agents of change,” he concluded.