17 young people gathered to plan a “Drug-Free Fiji” campaign and take the “My Peace, Our Heritage” pledge
The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and the Youth Assemblies of Fiji (YAF) Northern Division held the “My Peace, Our Heritage” One-Day Workshop on May 9 at the Ministry of Youth and Sports community hall in Roqomate House, Labasa, Fiji.
The workshop was organized as part of YEPW HOPE in Fiji, a new in-person drug prevention campaign aimed at raising awareness of drug-related issues in Fiji and encouraging young people to take practical steps toward building a healthier community. A total of 17 participants attended the event, including members of YAF Northern Division and two affiliated youth groups.
The program began with registration, opening remarks, an introduction to IPYG, ice-breaking activities, and an overview of the event goals. The first session, YEPC (Youth Education Peace Class), was held under the theme of “Understanding Peace and Heritage.” Participants reflected on the impact of drug abuse on individuals and communities, while discussing the role and responsibility of youth as peace citizens.
YEPC is IPYG’s youth peace education program designed to help young people learn the values of peace and develop the capacity to act as responsible peace citizens. Through this session, participants shared the understanding that drug abuse is not merely an individual issue, but a social challenge that threatens families, youth, and the future peace of local communities.
The second session, YEPW (Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group), encouraged participants to turn what they had learned into practical action. YEPW is a global youth capacity-building working group where young people connect, collaborate, and take part in practical peace activities. During the session, participants worked in groups to design their own “Drug-Free Fiji” campaigns.
Using large sheets of paper and markers, each group created campaign posters to promote a drug-free Fiji. The groups then presented their ideas and received constructive feedback. The activity was meaningful in that it allowed young people to identify a local issue and develop their own messages and action plans to address it.
In the latter part of the workshop, participants took part in the “My Peace, Our Heritage” pledge ceremony. They signed the pledge as a commitment to taking action for a drug-free Fiji and were appointed as “Heritagors,” youth leaders dedicated to protecting the heritage of peace. An Affiliation Ceremony was also held to commemorate the connection with IPYG activities.
The event also introduced the upcoming recruitment for the 6th cohort of YEPC. Through YEPC and YEPW, IPYG encourages young people not only to learn about peace, but also to continue practical peace activities within their own communities.
The workshop concluded with a final group photo, networking, and lunch pack distribution. Participants joined together in shouting, “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Peace,” reaffirming their commitment to creating a drug-free and peaceful Fiji.
IPYG and YAF Northern Division Hold Youth Drug Prevention Workshop in Labasa, Fiji
