Twenty-year-old Jeremiah Uarua Baba has transformed his life from a troubled existence marked by drug use to one filled with dignity and purpose. Hailing from Lakeba, Tubou in Lau, Jeremiah grew up in a squatter settlement that presented significant challenges.
Describing his childhood as “shrouded in darkness,” Jeremiah spent his early years in the Wailea settlement near Suva, living with his aunt and uncle while never knowing his biological parents. The chaotic nature of his environment made him susceptible to negative influences and a troubled lifestyle.
“I did things I didn’t want to do, but I went along with it, and it became part of my life,” Jeremiah recounted. His introduction to drugs came when he was in primary school, and by 2016, peer pressure led him to try it. “When I first tried it, I felt like I was floating,” he said, indicating how quickly that escape became a routine.
Jeremiah later began taking drugs to school, unnoticed by teachers, finding understanding only among neighborhood friends who recognized his struggles with family dynamics. His life was filled with violence at home, leading him to seek solace among friends who offered him the acceptance lacking in his family life.
By the time he was 17, he faced further challenges when he enrolled in Form 6 at John Wesley College but only completed one term before dropping out. Seeking a fresh start, he relocated to his home village in Lakeba and began fishing, where he surprisingly had a reunion with his parents for the first time. This emotional encounter motivated them to urge him to return to school, and Jeremiah resumed his studies shortly thereafter.
It was during this period that he came across the International Youth Foundation (IYF). Initially, he was skeptical of the program, but a pastor from IYF reached out to him, instilling a sense of positivity and calling him a “man of God.” This encounter marked a turning point for Jeremiah, making him feel seen for his potential rather than his past.
The teachings at IYF resonated deeply with him, particularly a quote that emphasized the importance of understanding one’s flaws. “There are three people in this world – I am right, maybe I’m right, and I am wrong. The third one always has room to learn and grow,” he reflected. This insight helped him confront his past and realize that peace did not lie in drugs but in spirituality.
Embracing his newfound beliefs, Jeremiah decided to quit drugs—a commitment he once thought impossible. With support from IYF, he achieved personal peace and began to reach new milestones. He even traveled abroad for the first time, going to Korea to represent Fiji in a dance group, experiencing the thrill of flying and seeing how far he had come.
By sharing his journey, Jeremiah hopes to inspire others in his community, highlighting the transformative power of faith and the possibility of change. “Through God, people can change. We might not see it for ourselves, but God has the power to do it. We just have to accept that sometimes we are wrong and let God take over,” he stated, portraying a message of hope and resilience.