Kalesi Volatabu faced an overwhelming struggle, marked by homelessness, addiction, and emotional turmoil after moving to Australia at the age of 13. In a recent interview, she recounted how these challenges transformed her life. Originally from Suva, Kalesi dreamt of becoming a lawyer to promote justice. However, her life took a turn when her parents sent her to Australia following the political upheaval of the 1987 coup.
Excited about the relocation, Kalesi’s optimism faded when reality set in. After arriving in Sydney, she struggled with loneliness and confusion, longing for her family. With her visa’s expiration unknown to her, Kalesi found herself facing a harsh reality, devoid of a stable home or support system. Missed connections led her to cope with the pain through drugs and alcohol, culminating in her dependence on crystal methamphetamine as a means to escape her traumatic experiences.
For three years, Kalesi battled her addiction while also facing severe abuse. Despite these hardships, she found help through a supportive individual, which eventually led to her achieving permanent residency in Australia. Inspired by her experiences, she became involved in rehabilitation efforts aimed at helping others with similar struggles.
Now a mother of two, Kalesi is the founder of Drug Free World Fiji and actively engages in drug awareness initiatives. She contributed to the launch of Fiji’s National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028, emphasizing the need for community involvement in addressing drug issues. Through her powerful story of resilience, Kalesi aims to inspire others to combat addiction, encouraging education and reducing stigma surrounding substance abuse.