On Christmas Eve, Jese Saukuru, the Minister for Youth and Sports, distinguished himself as the sole Member of Parliament who took the opportunity to visit remote villages in Vanua Levu, delivering Income Generating Project (IGP) grants. His visit was not just a holiday gesture but a genuine effort to empower local communities.
Among the highlights of his visit was an engagement with the Nailou Youth Club in Nailou Village, where Mr. Saukuru presented a $5,000 IGP grant for a beekeeping initiative. This grant included essential beekeeping equipment such as four double honey boxes filled with bees, and tools like a smoker, hive tool, and safety gear, which equip the young members for successful operation.
In addition to the beekeeping grant, Mr. Saukuru also donated sports equipment aimed at promoting community engagement through physical activity. The materials included volleyball, netball, rugby, and beach volleyball gear. Mr. Saukuru emphasized that these efforts reflect the ministry’s devotion to improving youth development and sports involvement within Fiji’s rural areas, ensuring that no young person is overlooked.
Traveling by boat for 30 minutes from the mainland due to the area’s lack of road access demonstrated the lengths the Ministry is willing to go to uplift underserved communities. His commitment continued with a visit to the Sawani Youth Club in Sawani Village where he presented a solar-powered freezer to aid income generation, along with additional sports equipment.
Mr. Saukuru’s outreach extended to Anasa Kaitoa, a young farmer from Naruwai Village in Bua, who received an IGP grant comprising farming tools. This grant will significantly enhance Mr. Kaitoa’s farming capabilities, which include growing various vegetables, watermelons, dalo, and yaqona for local consumption.
The Minister’s initiatives showcase a robust commitment to nurturing self-reliance and resilience among the youth of rural communities, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools to achieve sustainable livelihoods. With such efforts, there is a palpable sense of optimism for the future, as these initiatives foster empowered communities that have the potential to thrive despite challenges.
This story is a heartening illustration of how targeted support can ignite positive change across communities. As the Ministry continues to engage with rural youths, it contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development and community strengthening in Fiji.
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