On Christmas Eve, Jese Saukuru, Fiji’s Minister for Youth and Sports, was uniquely dedicated as he visited various villages in Vanua Levu to distribute Income Generating Project (IGP) grants. His visit included significant interactions with the Nailou Youth Club in Nailou Village, where 25 young members were awarded a $5,000 grant for beekeeping projects. This included delivery of four double honey boxes containing bees and essential honey farming tools, such as a smoker and protective gear.
In addition to supporting the IGP initiative, Mr. Saukuru also presented sports equipment, including gear for volleyball, netball, rugby, and beach volleyball, aimed at fostering youth engagement in sports. He emphasized the ministry’s goal of empowering youth in even the most remote regions of Fiji, stating, “By delivering resources that support sustainable livelihoods and promote physical activity, the ministry ensures that no youth is left behind.”
Mr. Saukuru’s journey to the village was no easy feat, requiring a 30-minute boat trip due to lack of road access. His commitment continued as he visited the Sawani Youth Club in Sawani Village, where he provided a solar-powered freezer and additional sports items to aid in sustainable income generation and promote physical activity among local youth.
Furthermore, he extended his support to Anasa Kaitoa, a young farmer from Naruwai Village, who received an IGP grant to acquire vital farming equipment, strengthening his agricultural endeavors. Mr. Kaitoa’s farm is a model of perseverance, producing a range of vegetables that support both his livelihood and the local community.
Mr. Saukuru’s visits highlight the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing the lives of young Fijians through agricultural and sports engagement, aiming to build more resilient and self-reliant communities.
This initiative reflects a broader vision of fostering hope and resources in rural areas, allowing both youth and agriculture to thrive, thus laying a foundation for sustainable development in Fiji.
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