Grace Suvei, a 20-year-old contestant sponsored by Unique Rubber Stamp, is set to advocate for mental health awareness during the FMF Bula Festival in Nadi, where she is one of ten competitors for the title of Miss FMF Bula. Ms. Suvei hails from Nabulini, Wainibuka in Tailevu, with maternal ties to Daliconi in Lau. She aims to address the significant impacts of mental health, particularly sharing her insights from friends who struggle with this issue.
In her preparation, Suvei highlighted the importance of her support system, comprising encouraging schoolmates and a principal who facilitated her time away from formal studies. She expressed her eagerness to utilize this pageant platform for advocating mental health, especially in rural communities where access to resources may be limited. “If I was selected to be Miss Bula, I would take advantage of that position to create programs aimed at helping individuals facing mental health issues,” she stated.
The FMF Bula Festival, occurring from July 19 to 26, coincides with a growing emphasis on advocacy and social issues among contestants, resembling initiatives seen in other local festivals. Contestants in previous festivals have also raised awareness on critical topics such as non-communicable diseases and drug abuse, reflecting a collective spirit of responsibility and action among young leaders in Fiji.
The festival’s official opening, featuring Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka as the chief guest, underscores the platform’s commitment to addressing vital social concerns while celebrating culture and community spirit. The proactive engagement of these young women exemplifies hope for a healthier and more informed society, showcasing the power of youth advocacy in effecting positive change across the nation.
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