Naitasiri is grappling with a sharp decline in its youth population, shrinking from more than 64,000 in 2017 to about 28,000 in 2023—a drop of roughly 34,000 that is affecting the province’s development trajectory. The province’s Youth Council president, John William Tamani, identifies youth migration as the main driver behind the changing demographics, noting that a combination of limited local opportunities and social challenges has pushed many young people to seek prospects elsewhere.
Tamani also points to a silver lining: among those who leave, many return later to contribute to their villages, bringing back skills, networks and resources that can boost local projects and development efforts. Naitasiri, which comprises 91 villages across 16 districts, faces the common rural challenges of out-migration, job scarcity, and social issues that affect youth retention.
In response, the province is launching youth empowerment programs and promoting strong cultural values as a foundation for keeping young people connected to their communities. Provincial leaders are calling on families, the government, and traditional institutions to work together to create an environment in which young people feel valued, see opportunities at home, and are motivated to stay and contribute to local development.
Context and analysis:
– The situation reflects broader rural youth retention challenges seen in several Fiji provinces, where opportunities outside the village often pull young people away.
– Reintegrating returnees can be a strategic advantage, helping to transfer skills and resources back to communities.
– Long-term success will likely depend on pairing empowerment initiatives with concrete local opportunities, improved education and training paths, infrastructure improvements, and sustained engagement with traditional leadership and community networks.
Summary:
– Naitasiri’s youth population dropped dramatically from 2017 to 2023, driven mainly by migration in search of opportunities.
– A silver lining is that returnees may bring valuable skills back to villages.
– The province plans youth empowerment programs and cultural promotion, with calls for collaborative action among families, government, and traditional institutions to create a more inviting environment for youth to stay and contribute.
Additional value and context:
– Potential strategies to reinforce retention could include youth mentorship programs, locally focused vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and partnerships with NGOs to create micro-grants for youth-led initiatives.
– Strengthening digital connectivity and expanding remote work or online education opportunities could help keep young people connected to home while pursuing broader options.
– Ongoing data collection on youth demographics and program outcomes will be important to measure progress and adapt strategies over time.
Positive outlook:
– If the empowerment programs gain traction and local opportunities expand, Naitasiri has the potential to turn youth out-migration into a cycle of return and reinvestment, strengthening communities and accelerating development across its villages.
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