Stakeholders participating in a recent consultation in Nausori have advocated for improved and proactive leadership within villages to effectively guide young individuals away from drug abuse and criminal activities. The meeting, held by the Ministry of Policing on Monday, focused on the draft counter-narcotics framework and provided a platform for discussing strategies to combat these pressing issues.
Venina Vakarusese expressed her concerns about what she views as inadequate leadership from village headmen. She highlighted the importance of regular village meetings where young people could be educated about the dangers associated with drugs. “There should be village meetings called regularly where youths can be directly addressed by police representatives or relevant authorities regarding the effects of drugs,” Vakarusese stated.
She emphasized that continuous guidance is vital for the vulnerable youth demographic. “Youths should be guided regularly because they are still young,” she remarked, indicating the particular need for ongoing support during this critical stage of life. Additionally, Vakarusese stressed the significance of involving families in preventive measures, suggesting that these meetings should encourage parental attendance to better educate families on how to assist their children.
On the matter of leadership effectiveness, she proposed that village headmen who fail to fulfill their responsibilities should be replaced with more dynamic individuals passionate about supporting youth and addressing issues like peer pressure, drug use, and criminal behavior.
Vakarusese’s comments underscore a community-wide commitment to ensuring that strong leadership and engaged dialogue are central in efforts to safeguard young people from negative influences. By fostering proactive leadership and engaging families, communities can create a more supportive environment for their youth, ultimately steering them towards healthier choices and away from the risks of drug involvement.
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