Shyna Lata, a 21-year-old from Labasa, is dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts of drug use and unemployment, particularly in her community of Narere, Nasinu, where she has seen these issues affect families directly.
As a recent graduate from the Fiji National University and a participant sponsored by Playland Fantasy Amusement Rides, she is one of seven contestants competing for the 2024 Miss Nasinu Festival crown. Lata believes that increasing awareness about the advantages of education can help address drug abuse and unemployment among the youth.
She stressed the importance of government programs to support and assist vulnerable young people, especially those facing homelessness or drug-related challenges. “Coming from a community labeled a red zone, I have witnessed that many of our youth are either school dropouts or involved with drugs,” she shared.
The festival will take place over the course of a week, culminating on Saturday at the Valelevu grounds.