Forty-seven students from Nadi, who have undergone training by police officers, are now equipped to take on leadership positions in their communities.
The students, hailing from various schools in 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 and supported by Blue Light, a registered charity in New Zealand that collaborates with police to provide a range of youth programs and activities. The main objectives of Blue Light include minimizing the risk of young people becoming either offenders or victims of crime, and improving relationships among the police, youth, parents, and the broader community.
On Wednesday, these 47 students celebrated their graduation from the program.
Divisional Police Commander West Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa urged the students to become catalysts for change in their schools and communities. “Keep a close eye on all that you have learned. We are here because we see your potential as young leaders,” SSP Vaisewa stated.
He highlighted the challenges that some of their peers face, including involvement in drug use, sexual offenses, assault, burglary, and theft. “Many engage in risky behaviors like drug use, glue sniffing, and sharing explicit photos for money and sex, which paints a negative picture of our youth and presents a significant issue for our beloved Fiji,” he cautioned.
SSP Vaisewa warned them about these troubling paths, reminding them, “Some of your peers are on this trajectory, but you still have the chance to make the right choices.” He urged them to acknowledge their own worth and potential, saying, “Understand the importance of your choices. Regardless of what others may say about you, recognize your value and abilities. You were selected for this program to become agents of change.”