The Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has reported that eight young men, known as “wheel-barrow boys,” have recently died in Nadi due to suspected drug overdoses.
During a talanoa session with these workers, who operate around the Nadi market, Kiran learned about their challenging circumstances. “Some live on the streets, while others wander around and then go home,” she noted.
Many of these individuals possess skills in plumbing, tiling, and welding. They shared their grief over the loss of eight friends to drug overdoses in the past two months and expressed a desire to change their lives.
They have committed to participating in consultations and training aimed at assisting them with addiction recovery, financial literacy, and reintegration into the workforce. Kiran also mentioned that there were proposals for them to collaborate in a cooperative.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has pledged to work alongside these young men to help them seek a better life. The ministry will continue to engage with and support those living on the streets in their quest for improvement.