Fifteen youth leaders associated with the National Youth Council of Fiji (NYCF) have successfully completed the “Triple C from Youth Rising for a Peaceful Blue Pacific” project, a groundbreaking workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of young individuals in media, digital storytelling, and online content creation. Organized jointly by NYCF and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), this initiative marks a significant first in Fiji, focusing on equipping youth leaders with practical skills for effectively communicating and championing youth-led initiatives in areas such as peacebuilding, social cohesion, and environmental protection.
The training was part of IPYG’s Content Creator Course, designed to empower young people to express their voices through digital media platforms. According to IPYG, the Triple C Project addresses the existing gap in active youth engagement in community initiatives and the ability to effectively share these efforts with broader audiences. The discussions leading to this initiative were initiated during the 11th World Peace Summit in South Korea, facilitated by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an esteemed international peace NGO.
At the workshop, Fiji’s Minister for Youth, Jese Saukuru, delivered congratulatory remarks, underscoring the importance of developing media and communication skills among youth. He stated, “Empowering youth-led initiatives aligns with Fiji’s broader aspirations for peace and sustainable development.” Participants were engaged in hands-on training utilizing artificial intelligence tools, Canva, and various social media platforms, resulting in the creation of card news, videos, and online content centered on themes of peace, environmental awareness, and social cohesion.
IPYG highlighted that this practical approach not only fosters confidence among participants but also encourages them to become active content creators within their communities. Many attendees expressed that the training significantly enhanced their understanding of how effective storytelling and public engagement can affect social change and elevate the visibility of youth initiatives.
The event also featured a special lecture by Jade Fun, a faculty member from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore, focused on “The Attitude and Responsibility of Journalists.” IPYG expressed aspirations for participants to evolve from learners to creators, and eventually to educators who can empower other young people.
Looking forward, NYCF and IPYG aim to strengthen collaborations with youth organizations and government agencies, to further promote youth-led peace and environmental initiatives not only in Fiji but also across the region. The commitment towards nurturing young leaders signals a hopeful future for community engagement and sustainable development in the Pacific.
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