The increasing number of pressing issues facing the country highlights the importance of educating young people to help raise awareness and advocate for change. One effective method to shed light on these issues is through youth empowerment training, particularly in rural areas.
In response to these urgent challenges, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has organized training sessions focusing on critical topics such as drug abuse and the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS. Recently, a training session was held in Viseisei Village, Ba, where participants learned about HIV/AIDS prevention, financial literacy, the dangers of illicit drugs, mental health awareness, sexual and reproductive health rights, human trafficking, and cyberbullying.
Statistics reveal the seriousness of the situation: the Fiji Police Force reported 768 drug-related cases as of July this year, with 347 of those occurring in the Western Division. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health indicated a significant increase in HIV/AIDS cases from 245 in 2022 to 415 in the past year, demonstrating that this is a national concern.
The training program was a collaborative effort that involved health professionals, educators, and community leaders who shared their insights on these critical issues and discussed ways to prevent or mitigate them. The Ministry emphasized that these representatives were committed to fostering a safe and empowering environment for the youth involved.
Through these initiatives, the Ministry aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate these complex challenges, ensuring that they are well-prepared to confront the obstacles of both today and the future. In addition to gaining knowledge, participants had the opportunity to interact and collaborate through group activities.
Overall, this training program represents a vital step towards developing resilient, informed, and responsible young leaders within Fiji’s communities.