Tailevu Council presses for stronger youth empowerment as Youth Day fundraising highlights potential for change
The Tailevu Provincial Council says more must be done to empower young people and ensure their voices are heard in decision-making that affects their communities. Senior Assistant Roko Tui Tailevu, Apenisa Seniloli, said youths are often undermined when they share their opinions, with some branded as disrespectful for speaking up.
Seniloli urged a shift in mindset, noting that the era of dismissing young voices by older generations and leaders must end, because these youths are the province’s hopes for tomorrow.
To illustrate what empowered youths can achieve, Seniloli pointed to Tailevu Youth Day, where young people raised more than 32,000 for future projects. The fundraising success is presented as proof that when youths are given space and support, they can play a critical role in shaping the province’s future.
Funds from the event are earmarked for concrete initiatives, including paying a long-serving youth coordinator who has volunteered for more than a decade. Organizers also outlined plans for leadership training, awareness programs for youth leaders, and the development of a Tailevu Youth Hub over the next five to ten years to create income-generating opportunities for young people.
The youth-focused momentum received broad backing from traditional leaders, the Tailevu Provincial Council, and youths from across Fiji and overseas, underscoring the community’s confidence in youth-led development. The Tailevu Provincial Council has a track record of engaging youths through development training and workshops in villages such as Nailega, Nayavu, Nasautoka, and Naloto, providing resources, mentorship, and support to empower youth leadership and participation in local development. The new Youth Day aligns with ongoing council initiatives to mobilize youth energy for environmental conservation, cultural revitalization, and improvements in health and education, while reinforcing connections between young people and their communities.
With sustained collaboration among traditional leaders, the council, and youth groups, Tailevu’s youth-focused plans hold promise for stronger governance, enhanced health and education outcomes, and more resilient local livelihoods. The initiative demonstrates a hopeful path for ongoing youth engagement and community empowerment in the province.
Additional context and value:
– The emphasis on empowering youth aligns with broader goals of inclusive governance and sustainable development, highlighting how targeted funding and leadership training can translate into tangible community benefits.
– If followed up, updates could track how the Tailevu Youth Hub develops, the impact of leadership programs, and how youth participation translates into local projects and decision-making.
Summary: Tailevu is actively reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment, showcasing a successful fundraising example and concrete plans to sustain youth leadership and create long-term opportunities for young people across the province. Positive momentum suggests potential lasting improvements in governance, health, education, and community resilience.
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