Four friends who undertook a journey from Cunningham to Suva seeking employment found a transformative opportunity in education instead. In March, twenty-three-year-old Ilisapeci Uluivuiya and her companions faced difficulties finding work but discovered an online post about Aruka Fiji, a non-governmental organization offering the ILOI Capacity Development Programme. Recently, they celebrated their graduation from this program, alongside six other youths, marking a significant milestone in their lives.
Uluivuiya shared that her uncle, who opened his home to several youth, provided the encouragement they needed to pursue opportunities outside their previous street life. While at home, they often returned to the streets at night, but through newfound motivation, they decided to take action. “We decided to walk all the way from Cunningham to town. We asked around for work, but no luck. Then we saw the opportunity online to undertake the program at Aruka, Fiji, and we are truly grateful,” she expressed.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the need for community support in reintegrating street youths back into society. Chief Guest and Member of Parliament Lynda Tabuya emphasized a multifaceted approach to assist street dwellers, indicating that programs like Aruka Fiji’s showcase effective initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable youth. The organization has pledged to continue its commitment to supporting youth with more endeavors planned in the future.
In aligning with the sentiment of other similar programs across Fiji aiming to empower and support at-risk populations, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of education and collective efforts to foster resilience among marginalized communities, emphasizing that opportunities, when pursued, can lead to positive change and a brighter future.
This journey not only reflects the potential for growth among the youth involved but also highlights the commitments of community members and organizations in providing essential support and resources necessary for their success.
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