Eliki Rokomisa, an 18-year-old student from the small village of Wainidrua in Nadogo, is embarking on a life-changing journey. As a Year 13 student at Nadogo Central College, Rokomisa has been selected as one of 58 young Fijians to participate in the 2025 Fiji Youth Parliament in Suva. This marks his first time both in the capital city and on an airplane, an experience he describes as a “blessing.”
The Fiji Youth Parliament program brings together young individuals from across the country to engage in learning about governance, lawmaking, and leadership over a four-day period. For Rokomisa, this opportunity is a chance to address pressing issues he witnesses in his community, such as school dropouts and drug abuse among the youth.
Rokomisa has observed many of his peers leaving school, only to fall into a cycle of substance abuse, primarily due to a lack of guidance and motivation. This motivated him to apply for the Youth Parliament to gather the knowledge necessary to inspire and initiate change back home. He aspires to encourage the youth in his village to value education and avoid detrimental paths like drug use.
Rokomisa’s journey to the Youth Parliament was not straightforward, as opportunities like this are rare in rural areas. His selection came after he decided to apply online, unsure of his chances. Yet, when the acceptance email arrived, his achievement became a source of immense pride both for him and his village.
During the Youth Parliament, Rokomisa learned about how laws are created and how parliament operates, gaining a deep understanding of the impact young people can have on Fiji’s governance. The program aims to dispel the myth that parliamentary affairs are reserved for adults, demonstrating instead that youth can bring fresh perspectives and solutions to community challenges.
Looking ahead, Rokomisa dreams of one day sitting in Parliament as an elected representative, championing the causes affecting young Fijians, particularly those from rural areas. He plans to return to his village armed with a message of hope and a determination to influence positive changes.
Rokomisa’s participation underscores the importance of equipping young individuals with the tools necessary to contribute to national discourse and policy-making. It reflects a broader national trend of encouraging youth engagement in governance, fostering a new generation of informed and engaged future leaders. By supporting young people in such endeavors, Fiji strengthens its democratic processes and its leadership pipeline.
Rokomisa’s story is one of hope and determination, setting an example for others to dream big and pursue their aspirations. He aims to use his experience to empower at least one young individual to prioritize education over drugs, believing that meaningful change begins with one person ready to make a difference.
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