The Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, made a significant impact this Christmas Eve by visiting remote villages in Vanua Levu to deliver Income Generating Project (IGP) grants. His visit included a meaningful engagement with the Nailou Youth Club in Nailou Village, where they received a $5,000 grant to develop a beekeeping initiative. The young members were provided with essential beekeeping equipment, such as double honey boxes, honey farming tools, and protective gear, which will help them establish a sustainable source of income.
In addition to the beekeeping equipment, Mr. Saukuru presented various sports supplies, including volleyball, netball, rugby, and beach volleyball gear. He emphasized the importance of fostering youth development and sports engagement within these communities, stating that the visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to empowering young people, even in Fiji’s most isolated areas.
Mr. Saukuru noted that reaching Nailou Village required a boat ride of 30 minutes from the mainland due to the lack of road access, illustrating the effort taken to support these communities. His outreach continued as he visited the Sawani Youth Club in Sawani Village, where he delivered a solar-powered freezer to aid in sustainable income generation, alongside additional sports equipment.
The minister also highlighted his engagement with Anasa Kaitoa, a young farmer from Naruwai Village, who benefitted from the IGP grant. With new farming equipment now at his disposal, Mr. Kaitoa is poised to enhance his agricultural operations, which already yield various vegetables and contribute to local food security.
This initiative showcases the government’s resolve to support the younger generation in agriculture and rural development, empowering them with the necessary tools to thrive. The commitment to uplift these communities not only promises brighter futures for the youth involved but also strengthens the socio-economic fabric of rural Fiji.
In summary, Minister Jese Saukuru’s Christmas Eve visits underscore a proactive approach to community development that prioritizes empowering youth through sustainable projects and participatory sports engagement. This effort lays a foundation for stronger, self-reliant communities across Fiji, hopeful for a prosperous future.
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