Kalesi Volatabu’s journey is a powerful story of resilience and recovery. Once facing extreme challenges, including homelessness and addiction to crystal methamphetamine, Kalesi has turned her life around and now advocates for others in similar situations.
In an interview, Kalesi recounted her difficult past, which began with a happy childhood in Suva with her family. However, the political turmoil from the 1987 coup prompted her parents to send her to Australia for a fresh start. At just 13 years old, Kalesi was excited about the adventure ahead, but her excitement quickly faded as she faced an unexpected loneliness in a foreign land.
Initially welcomed by distant relatives, the novelty soon wore off, and Kalesi began to confront the harsh realities of living in Australia. Missing her family deeply, she struggled emotionally, leading her to seek comfort in substances like alcohol and drugs. Crystal meth became her escape, offering temporary relief from the pain of feeling rejected and abandoned.
Kalesi’s descent into addiction lasted for three years, during which she experienced severe trauma, including physical abuse. Despite her hardships, she found the strength to seek help through rehabilitation and support from others, ultimately securing her permanent residency and turning her life around.
Now a dedicated advocate, Kalesi is the founder of Drug Free World Fiji and has helped launch Fiji’s first National Counter Narcotics Strategy for 2023-2028. She emphasizes the importance of education and community involvement in combating substance abuse and hopes her story inspires others facing similar challenges.
Kalesi encourages individuals to remove stigma around addiction and highlights the need for a united, community-driven approach to addressing drug-related issues. Her journey reflects the profound strength of the human spirit and the possibility of recovery and change.