Forty-seven students from Nadi have completed a leadership training program coordinated by police officers, preparing them to take on leadership positions within their communities.
The students, representing various schools from Nadi and Sigatoka, engaged in a two-day Blue Light leadership training and practical skills development course held at Korovuto College in Nadi.
This initiative was organized and backed by Blue Light, a registered charity in New Zealand that partners with the police to offer various youth programs and activities. Blue Light aims to reduce the chances of young people becoming offenders or victims of crime while enhancing relationships among the police, youth, parents, and the community.
On Wednesday, these 47 participants celebrated their graduation from the program.
Divisional Police Commander West Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa urged the students to act as catalysts for change in their respective schools and communities. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on their learnings and highlighted their potential as future leaders.
SSP Vaisewa pointed out that some of their peers have been involved in risky behaviors such as drug use, sexual offenses, assault, burglary, and theft, which damage the reputation of youth in Fiji and present significant challenges. He warned them against these negative paths and encouraged them to make wise choices.
“You still have the opportunity to choose the right path,” SSP Vaisewa said, urging the students to recognize their worth and potential. “Be conscious of your capabilities and the importance of your decisions. You were selected for this program because we believe you can be agents of change.”