Forty-seven students from Nadi, trained by police officers, are now ready to assume leadership roles in their communities.
These students, representing various schools from Nadi and Sigatoka, participated 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 police to provide a variety of youth programs and activities.
Blue Light’s objectives focus on decreasing the chances of young people becoming either offenders or victims of crime while promoting positive relationships between the police, youth, parents, and the wider community.
On Wednesday, these 47 students successfully graduated from the program.
Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa, urged the students to become agents of change in their schools and communities.
“Keep a close view of everything you have learned. We gathered here from different parts of Nadi because we see your potential as young leaders,” SSP Vaisewa remarked.
He highlighted the challenges many young people face, stating, “Some of your peers are involved in dangerous activities that jeopardize their safety, including drug use, sexual offenses, assault, burglary, and theft. These actions create a negative image of today’s youth and present significant challenges for our beloved Fiji.”
He warned them against following such paths. “Certain peers are making poor choices, but you still have the chance to choose the right path,” he added.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of self-worth and potential. “Understand the significance of your choices. No matter what others say about you, recognize your value and capabilities. You were selected for this program to serve as agents of change,” he concluded.