Twenty-year-old Jeremiah Uarua Baba has transformed his life from one filled with drugs to one marked by dignity. Hailing from Lakeba, Tubou in Lau, Jeremiah’s upbringing in a squatter settlement presented significant challenges. His early life in the Wailea squatter settlement, just outside Suva, was characterized by uncertainty and hardship as he grew up under the care of an aunt and uncle, never knowing his parents.
The chaotic environment made him susceptible to negative influences, ultimately leading him down a troubled path. “I did things I didn’t want to do but I did, and it became a lifestyle,” Jeremiah recalled. His introduction to drugs came during his time at Assemblies of God Primary School when a friend introduced him to them in 2016, providing an escape that quickly became habitual.
He often brought drugs to school, hidden from the watchful eyes of teachers. “No one bothered to understand me, but the boys in the neighborhood did. They knew I came from a broken family, and they invited me into their world,” he said about his difficult childhood experiences. Life in the squatter settlement was harsh, compounded by violence at home. Jeremiah turned to friendships for solace since they provided the support he lacked in his family life.
By the age of 17, Jeremiah was not only using drugs but also selling them. He was sent to John Wesley College to continue his education, but after just one term, he dropped out, continuing his struggles. Seeking a fresh start, he moved back to his village in Lakeba, where he first met his parents. The reunion was emotional, leading to encouragement from them to return to school.
At 18, he re-enrolled at John Wesley and encountered the International Youth Foundation (IYF). Initially skeptical, his perspective shifted when a pastor from IYF referred to him positively, invoking confidence in him by calling him a “man of God.” “Before I didn’t care what people called me, but after I met the pastor, I began to feel something different,” he explained.
This newfound support and the teachings from IYF resonated with him, especially a lesson he learned about personal perspectives. He began to confront his past and realized that fulfilling peace could not be found in drugs but rather through spiritual faith. Jeremiah made the monumental decision to quit drugs, a step he once thought impossible.
With IYF’s support, he not only found inner peace but also reached remarkable milestones, including traveling to Korea to represent Fiji in a dance group. This experience highlighted the meaningful changes in his life and deepened his gratitude for the transformation he experienced through IYF.
By sharing his story, Jeremiah hopes to convey a message of hope and change within his community. His journey illustrates that, with faith, individuals can transform their lives, even when facing immense challenges. “Through God, people can change. We might not see it for ourselves, but God has the power to do it,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our shortcomings and allowing for divine intervention in our lives.