Forty-seven students from Nadi, trained by police officers, have completed a leadership program aimed at equipping them for future roles in their communities.
These students, hailing from various schools in Nadi and Sigatoka, participated in a two-day Blue Light leadership training and practical skills development event held at Korovuto College in Nadi.
The initiative was organized by Blue Light, a registered charity in New Zealand that collaborates with police to provide youth-focused programs and activities. Blue Light’s mission is to prevent young people from becoming involved in crime, either as offenders or victims, while promoting positive relationships among the police, youth, parents, and the community.
On Wednesday, the 47 students graduated from this program.
Divisional Police Commander West Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa urged the graduates to become positive influencers in their schools and communities.
“Keep a close watch on what you have learned. We gathered from various parts of Nadi because we believe in your potential as young leaders,” SSP Vaisewa stated. He pointed out that some of their peers engage in risky behaviors, including drug use, sexual offenses, assault, burglary, and theft, which negatively impact the youth’s image and present challenges in Fiji.
He advised them to steer clear of these negative influences. “Some of your peers are on a dangerous path, but you still have the chance to make the right choices,” he said.
SSP Vaisewa encouraged the students to recognize their own worth and potential. “Understand the significance of your choices and know your capabilities. Regardless of what others may say about you, remember your value. You were selected for this program to be catalysts for change,” he emphasized.