Village Unites to Curb Youth Drug Abuse With Sports and Farming

Village leaders are stepping up their efforts to combat the escalating issue of drug abuse, with Osea Ramatau, the headman of Nacekoro Village in Savusavu, highlighting the critical role families play in protecting the youth. Mr. Ramatau noted that drug use is not a recent issue but rather a long-standing concern that increasingly affects coastal communities.

“This issue requires our urgent and collective action,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to uniting young people and steering them away from the detrimental effects of drugs. He warned that the consequences of drug addiction extend beyond the individual, affecting the entire community. “When one young person succumbs to drugs, it brings pain to the whole village,” he remarked.

According to Mr. Ramatau, unemployment and unsupervised time are significant factors contributing to drug abuse among youths. He asserted that once young individuals become addicted, overcoming that dependency is a daunting challenge. “The solution lies in engaging them meaningfully, particularly through sports, farming, and other productive communal activities, ensuring their time and energy are utilized wisely.”

To tackle this pressing issue, Nacekoro Village has initiated the formation of youth groups that organize tournaments and promote farming alongside other constructive programs. “We aspire for our young people to be positive contributors to the community rather than succumbing to drug abuse,” he added.

Mr. Ramatau firmly believes that combating drug abuse is a communal responsibility, stressing that the fight should not rest solely on the shoulders of authorities. Parents, elders, and community leaders must collaborate to guide young people effectively. He also highlighted the importance of open communication within families, cautioning that silence can allow issues to fester unchecked. “We must engage with our children, listen to them, and understand the pressures they face,” he said.

“It takes a whole village to raise a child, and it will take a whole village to protect one,” he concluded, offering a message of hope and collective responsibility in the battle against drug abuse.