Forty-seven students from Nadi have completed leadership training conducted by police officers, equipping them to assume leadership roles within their communities.
These students, hailing from various schools in 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 initiative was organized by Blue Light, a registered charity in New Zealand that partners with the police to provide a variety of youth programs and activities. Blue Light aims to decrease the chances of young individuals becoming offenders or victims of crime while improving relationships between police, youth, parents, and the wider community.
The students graduated from the program on Wednesday.
Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa, urged the students to become catalysts for change in their respective schools and communities.
“Stay focused on what you have learned. We have gathered from various parts of Nadi because we believe in your potential as young leaders,” SSP Vaisewa stated.
He raised concerns about peers engaging in dangerous activities that compromise their safety, such as drug use, sexual offenses, assaults, burglary, and theft.
“Many young people are involved in drug use, glue sniffing, and sharing explicit photos for money or sex, which paints a negative picture of youth today and presents significant challenges for Fiji,” he warned.
SSP Vaisewa emphasized the importance of making the right choices.
“Your peers may be following harmful paths, but you still have the chance to choose wisely,” he remarked.
He encouraged the students to recognize their self-worth and potential.
“Understand the value of your choices and know your capabilities. Regardless of others’ opinions, be aware of your worth. You were selected for this program to become agents of change,” he concluded.