Forty-seven students from Nadi, who received training from police officers, are now ready to embrace leadership roles within their communities.
These students, hailing from various schools across Nadi and Sigatoka, took part in a two-day Blue Light leadership training and practical skills development program held at Korovuto College in Nadi.
The training was organized by Blue Light, a registered charity based in New Zealand that partners with police to offer various youth programs and activities.
Blue Light’s objectives include minimizing the chances of young individuals becoming either offenders or victims of crime while enhancing relationships between the police, youth, parents, and the wider community.
The 47 students celebrated their graduation from the program on Wednesday.
Divisional Police Commander West Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa urged the students to become catalysts for change within their schools and communities.
“Keep a close eye on everything you have learned. We have gathered from different parts of Nadi because we recognize your potential as young leaders,” SSP Vaisewa encouraged.
He cautioned the youth about the dangers that some of their peers face, which include involvement in unlawful activities such as drug use, sexual offenses, assault, burglary, and theft.
“Some engage in drug use, glue sniffing, and exchanging explicit photos for money or sex. This creates a negative perception of today’s youth and presents a significant challenge for our beloved Fiji,” he noted, warning them against such paths.
“This is the direction some of your peers are headed, but you still have the chance to choose the right path,” SSP Vaisewa advised.
He motivated them to acknowledge their own worth and potential, stating, “Understand your potential and the importance of your choices. Regardless of what others may think of you, be aware of your value and capabilities. You were selected for this program to be agents of change.”