Jeremiah Uarua Baba, a 20-year-old from Lakeba, Tubou in Lau, has transformed his life from drug addiction to one of dignity and hope. Growing up in a squatter settlement, Jeremiah’s childhood was filled with challenges and uncertainty. He was raised by his aunt and uncle and never knew his parents, which left him vulnerable to negative influences.
As a child living in the Wailea squatter settlement near Suva, Jeremiah described his upbringing as “shrouded in darkness.” He fell into a troubled lifestyle influenced by friends who introduced him to drugs while he was still in primary school. Initially, he found a temporary escape in substances, which soon became a regular part of his life.
He faced immense hardships at home, including physical abuse, leading him to seek comfort in friendships that validated him. By the age of 17, Jeremiah was not only using drugs but also selling them. After dropping out of John Wesley College, where he continued to struggle, he moved back to his village and began fishing, reconnecting with his parents for the first time in an emotional reunion.
This pivotal encounter with his parents motivated him to return to school when he was 18. During this time, he met the International Youth Foundation (IYF), which played a crucial role in his recovery. Initially skeptical, Jeremiah gradually opened up to the positive influence of a pastor from IYF who encouraged him by calling him a “man of God.” This recognition made him realize that others saw potential in him despite his troubled past.
The teachings from IYF, including valuable life lessons and biblical principles, encouraged Jeremiah to confront his past and reject drugs as a means of escape. He learned that true peace comes from faith, not from substance use. With support from IYF, he successfully quit drugs and began to see new possibilities in his life, including traveling to Korea to represent Fiji in a dance group.
Jeremiah is now dedicated to sharing his story of hope and transformation within his community. He believes that through faith, people can change and encourages others to acknowledge their faults and allow God to guide their journey. His experiences have not only reshaped his life but have also empowered him to inspire those facing similar challenges.