Forty-seven students from Nadi have completed a leadership training program led by police officers, equipping them to take on roles in their communities.
The participants, hailing from various schools in 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 by Blue Light, a registered charity based in New Zealand that partners with police to provide a range of youth programs and activities. The mission of Blue Light is to reduce the risk of young individuals becoming offenders or victims of crime while promoting positive relationships among youth, police, parents, and the broader community.
On Wednesday, the students celebrated their graduation from the program.
Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa, encouraged the graduates to become catalysts for change in their schools and communities.
“Keep a close view of all that you have learned. We were brought together from various parts of Nadi because we see the potential in you as young leaders,” SSP Vaisewa expressed.
He highlighted the concerning activities some young people engage in, such as drug use, sexual offenses, and theft, warning the graduates against following such paths.
“That is the path that some of your peers are following. You still have the opportunity to choose the right path,” he stated.
SSP Vaisewa urged the students to recognize their inherent worth and potential.
“Know your potential and understand the importance of your choices. No matter what others say about you, be aware of your worth and capabilities. You were chosen for this program to be agents of change,” he concluded.