Rehabilitation centers are increasingly in demand as authorities and community leaders in Fiji tackle an addiction epidemic fueled by the burgeoning drug trade. In a significant step forward, the Promised Land Church has successfully graduated its first two students from the Adults and Teen Challenge (Fiji) Lololo Campus, highlighting a new phase in their recovery journeys.
Yesterday, Kris Avikash Prasad and Inoke Uganidavui received certificates of completion, symbolizing their transition toward a sober life. Uganidavui, 26, shared his tumultuous story of addiction, describing how he strayed from a path of potential following his parents’ separation at a young age. He fell into a world dominated by alcohol and drug use—experiences that nearly cost him his life. However, he credits his participation in the Adults and Teen Challenge program as the turning point in his recovery, illustrating how targeted support can yield transformative results.
“I almost lost my life through accidents, violence, and overdoses, but by the Grace of God, I am still alive,” Uganidavui stated, showing gratitude for the program that provided him with a renewed sense of purpose.
Similarly, Prasad recounted his turbulent years of addiction and dealing drugs before realizing the detrimental impact it had on his life. He emphasized how the program’s structure, which is built on spiritual guidance, played a crucial role in restoring his mental health and inner peace.
The Adults and Teen Challenge program adopts a holistic approach to recovery, blending vocational training in practical skills like carpentry and farming with spiritual mentorship centered on Christian faith. Program director Reverend Epi Ligairi expressed hope for future participants, emphasizing the importance of empowerment and reintegration into families and society. “Rehabilitation is not a luxury; it is a moral obligation,” he noted, underscoring the community’s investment in supporting drug prevention and healthy recovery pathways.
The urgent need for more rehabilitation facilities is echoed by both graduates, who highlighted the rising drug crisis in Fiji, cautioning that without proactive measures, the impact on the community could worsen. Mr. Prasad called for a commitment to establishing additional centers, urging officials to respond decisively to this critical issue.
Through community-driven responses and compassionate care, initiatives like the Adults and Teen Challenge in Fiji exemplify the potential for positive change in the battle against addiction. As the program continues, its combined focus on spiritual growth, personal empowerment, and community support offers hope and a positive roadmap for individuals on the road to recovery.
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