First Lady Madam Vilomena Katonivere addressed concerning trends among youth during her speech at the Fiji National Girl Guides Centennial Camp 2024 in Labasa. She highlighted alarming reports of students using social media platform Telegram to trade drugs and engage in inappropriate behaviors. Emphasizing the importance of awareness, she urged attendees to be vigilant about their surroundings, choices, and companions, underscoring that every life is precious.
Katonivere spoke under the theme “100 Years of Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future,” advocating for a united effort to address these issues. She called on parents, guardians, teachers, and guide leaders to foster safe environments for open discussions on social challenges.
To ensure that young girls do not fall victim to harmful influences, she stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, many of whom were present at the event. “We teach girls to say no in these safe spaces, and together, we raise our voices to stop violence against children,” she stated.
In her role as patron of the Fiji Girl Guides, Madam Vilomena paid tribute to past leaders who have dedicated their lives to supporting guiding in Fiji. She remembered those who have passed away, including influential figures who contributed to the movement, honoring their legacy.
The Divisional Northern Officer of the Girl Guides Association, Mrs. Sese Matarugu, announced that 789 participants from various regions are attending the three-day centenary camp, expressing hopes that the activities will empower the girls with practical skills for their daily lives.