Kalesi Volatabu’s life took a dramatic turn as she faced homelessness and addiction to crystal methamphetamine in a foreign country. In an interview, she recounted her struggles and the emotional hardships she endured after moving to Australia at the age of 13 due to the political turmoil of the 1987 coup in Fiji.
Initially excited about the move, Kalesi soon found herself feeling isolated and confused in her new environment. She missed her family deeply and faced rejection from her own mother, which contributed to her emotional distress. Without a stable home and support, she turned to drugs as a means of coping.
Kalesi’s dependency on crystal meth intensified, leading to physical abuse and deepening her mental health issues. Her battle with substance abuse lasted three years, culminating in suicidal thoughts and further isolation from those she knew. However, with the support of a friend, she managed to change her circumstances, securing permanent residency in Australia.
After overcoming her addiction, Kalesi became involved in rehabilitation efforts to assist others facing similar challenges. The primary motivation for her recovery was her desire to provide a better life for her two sons, Bradley and Michael. Today, she is the founder of Drug Free World Fiji and actively works to raise awareness about drug addiction and recovery.
Her experience has empowered her to contribute to initiatives like Fiji’s first National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028. Kalesi aims to inspire others with her story, encouraging community-driven education about the dangers of drugs and the importance of removing stigma for those seeking help. She believes in the strength of collective efforts to create positive change in society.