On Christmas Eve, Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru demonstrated his commitment to community engagement by visiting villages in Vanua Levu to distribute Income Generating Project (IGP) grants. His visit included significant interactions with the Nailou Youth Club at Nailou Village, where a group of 25 young members was awarded a $5,000 grant to support their beekeeping initiative, receiving essential equipment such as double honey boxes, honey farming tools, and protective gear.

In addition to promoting economic development, Mr. Saukuru also provided sports equipment for various activities including volleyball, netball, and rugby. He emphasized the importance of these efforts for youth development and community sports engagement, stating, “This visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to empowering young people in even the most isolated parts of Fiji.” His journey, which involved traveling by boat due to the lack of road access, showcased the ministry’s dedication to reaching out to the most underprivileged communities.

Mr. Saukuru’s next stop was at the Sawani Youth Club in Sawani Village, where he provided a solar-powered freezer to aid sustainable income generation and further distributed sports gear aimed at promoting physical activity among the youth.

In an effort to support emerging young farmers, Mr. Saukuru also interacted with Anasa Kaitoa from Naruwai Village, who is set to benefit from an IGP grant that will provide crucial farming equipment. Mr. Kaitoa’s perseverance in agriculture, in the face of challenges related to limited resources, underscores the resilience of rural communities and their contributions to local economies.

Mr. Saukuru’s outreach illustrates the ministry’s mission to foster growth and self-reliance among Fiji’s youth, especially in rural areas. By equipping them with resources for sustainable livelihoods and encouraging sports participation, he is contributing to the overall development and strength of the communities.

This initiative serves as a beacon of hope for youth across Fiji, highlighting the importance of community, resilience, and support in the journey towards empowerment and sustainability.