INOKE Uganidavui and Kris Avikash Prasad could be the first Fijians to complete a community-run drug rehabilitation program, marking a significant milestone for addiction recovery efforts in Fiji. Both individuals participated in the Adults and Teens Challenge (Fiji) Lololo Campus, dedicating over a year to overcoming their drug addictions.
Mr. Uganidavui shared his harrowing experiences, stating that he endured exposure to drugs, crime, and violence that almost cost him his life. “But by the grace of God, I am still alive,” he affirmed, highlighting a personal transformation spurred by the program.
Program director, Reverend Epi Ligairi, expressed optimism that Uganidavui and Prasad’s success stories could inspire others grappling with addiction. “There is hope that our nation will bounce back,” he said, advocating for a collective focus on recovery rather than blame.
The sentiments echoed in previous reports emphasize the critical need for comprehensive rehabilitation services, particularly as the country faces a growing drug crisis. Kris Prasad has also called for the government to establish more rehabilitation centers to address the increasing prevalence of drug use in Fiji, which he describes as alarming. His own journey through the rehab program focused on therapeutic methods such as farming, which he found to be beneficial in enhancing his spiritual life.
The Adult and Teen Challenge employs a faith-based approach that includes various phases centered around recovery, empowerment, and restoration, wrapping participants in a supportive environment aimed at healing. Participants are encouraged through vocational training opportunities, fostering a pathway toward reintegration into society.
These stories reflect a broader understanding that addiction is not purely a personal battle but requires communal support and systems to facilitate recovery. As more individuals like Uganidavui and Prasad come forward, their successful transformations may serve as powerful motivators for others facing similar struggles.
Hope remains alive in Fiji, with community-based efforts and initiatives aimed at restoring lives, demonstrating that recovery and a brighter future are indeed possible.
Leave a comment