Eighteen-year-old Eliki Rokomisa joined 58 other young individuals in this year’s Youth Parliament, marking a significant achievement both personally and for the broader community he represents. As a student at Nadogo Secondary School, Rokomisa expressed great pride in supporting his kinsmen, youth, and family by participating in one of his country’s highest institutions. His opportunity arose from noticing a call for applications on social media, which he responded to eagerly despite having minimal expectations. This experience also marked his first visit to Viti Levu, adding another layer of excitement and significance to the occasion.
In his inaugural session, Rokomisa emphasized strengthening the links between the government and rural communities, highlighting the limited employment options beyond sugarcane farming, which leave many youths without much recourse and potentially susceptible to social issues. Drawing from this experience, Rokomisa intends to motivate younger generations towards more positive engagement and hopes this program will act as a catalyst for his aspirations and future endeavors. He dreams of returning to the parliamentary chambers as a Minister for iTaukei Affairs to better address the challenges faced by his people.
The Youth Parliament’s return after a ten-year hiatus provides a vital platform for young Fijians like Rokomisa and his peers, offering a comprehensive exploration of parliamentary processes and encouraging active civic engagement. Participants, from various backgrounds, bring attention to crucial issues, hoping to translate discussions into real-world actions. Previous Youth Parliament events in Fiji, similar to this session, have played a crucial role in teaching participants about public speaking, policy debates, and legislative procedures.
These activities align with broader efforts to engage young citizens in governance and equip them for future leadership roles. The Youth Parliament’s return reflects a growing national focus on empowering youth and reinforcing their voices within democratic processes. Supported by the UNDP and the Fiji Parliament, this program embodies a commitment to fostering a generation of informed and engaged future leaders making meaningful contributions to Fiji’s democratic landscape. The initiative stands as a hopeful symbol for inclusivity, encouraging even more young voices to enter public discourse and governance, posing a promising trajectory for the nation.
Leave a comment