Closing the four-day Rotuma Youth Festival, Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru said the event marks the beginning of a new era, as the government works to bridge the gap between ministries and Rotuman youths. He urged the young participants to stay engaged and track the progress being set by the ministry as they pursue their goals.
“This is the time to best utilize what you have learned from the two weeks of training. You have a brighter future, so you have to work towards it,” Saukuru told the crowd.
As part of the youth grants programme, the Ministry handed over a mini sound system valued at $5,000, alongside a screen printing and sewing machine set for the Rotuma Youth Club. The festival’s final day also featured traditional games such as weaving and copra processing, followed by a farewell dance to thank the visitors who took part in the four-day event.
In the sports arena, Team Jirau dominated the volleyball and netball competitions, while Faguta youths clinched the Touch Rugby title. Clubs Hapmak, Jirau and Noatau were awarded Small Engine Tool Sets, and Noatau, Jirau, Lopta and Motusa youth groups received Basic Solar Tool Sets, underscoring the festival’s mix of sport and practical skills training.
The Rotuma festival is part of a broader, ongoing push by Fiji’s Ministry of Youth and Sports to engage youth across the islands through regional events, grants, and capacity-building activities. By pairing community traditions with modern opportunities, the program aims to foster leadership, entrepreneurship, and healthier lifestyles among Rotuman youth.
Outlook and value added
– The event reinforces the ministry’s commitment to accessible services and targeted support for youth on Rotuma, creating opportunities for grants, training, and community engagement.
– Look for follow-up coverage on how these grants are used to kickstart local projects, and how youths document outcomes—photos, videos, and testimonials—to demonstrate impact.
– Community stakeholders may want to track upcoming programs or services announced for Rotuma and how youths can access them, ensuring momentum from the festival translates into lasting benefits.
Summary
The Rotuma Youth Festival’s closing highlighted a new phase of government-youth collaboration, with grants distributed, skills training reinforced, and sporting triumphs celebrated. The event signals ongoing government investment in Rotuman youth, aiming to build stronger leadership, livelihoods, and community resilience for the future. If sustained, these efforts could translate into tangible improvements for families and the broader Rotuman community.
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