Kalesi Volatabu’s story is a profound testament to resilience and transformation. Originally from Suva, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer, aspiring to champion justice in her home country. However, her life took a difficult turn when she moved to Australia as a teenager after her parents decided it was best for her following the upheaval caused by the 1987 coup in Fiji.
At just 13 years old, Kalesi faced unexpected challenges. Initially thrilled by the move, she quickly found herself grappling with feelings of isolation and confusion, as she was separated from her family and friends. The harsh reality of her situation settled in when she discovered her visa had expired, leaving her in a foreign land without support.
Desperate for connection, Kalesi sought solace at a local Fijian church, but her experience there was not welcoming. She soon found herself on the streets of Sydney, turning to alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms for her emotional pain and turmoil. This dark phase of her life lasted three years, during which she faced severe struggles, including physical abuse and sexual violence, pushing her deeper into addiction.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, Kalesi’s life turned around when she received support from someone she knew. With their help, she was granted permanent residency in Australia, which allowed her to begin her rehabilitation journey. Motivated by her two sons, Bradley and Michael, Kalesi became an advocate for those facing similar battles.
Now, she is the founder of Drug Free World Fiji and actively participates in initiatives to raise awareness about addiction and support recovery efforts. Her contributions include involvement in the launch of Fiji’s National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028.
Kalesi’s powerful story of survival and resilience serves as an inspiration to many. She encourages others to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs and emphasizes the importance of community support in combating addiction. Kalesi’s message underscores the need to eradicate stigma surrounding addiction, allowing individuals to seek help without fear.