Marika Cagi, the church leader of Naseyani Village, has voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating drug-related problems affecting the local youth in Ra. During an interview with The Fiji Times at the commissioning of the Naseyani Bridge, he emphasized that factors such as unemployment should not justify turning to drugs, particularly when there are available lands for agriculture in the community.
Mr. Cagi urged the youth to resist the lure of “easy money” that drugs may seem to offer and instead embrace hard work as a path toward sustainable livelihoods. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the church and the local community, known as the vanua, to combat these drug issues impacting the village.
To address these challenges, ongoing initiatives include awareness campaigns, which involve inviting police and government officials to educate the youth about the dangers of drugs and their harmful effects on families. Mr. Cagi noted that the villages in Ra have established their own laws to prevent access to drugs.
Encouraging a return to farming, he stated, “People should go back to farming, till their land so that they can have sustainability in their lives.” He mentioned that counseling sessions are being offered, particularly for individuals discovered with drugs, emphasizing the visible impact these substances have on health.
“Counseling sessions can occur every day, but the decision lies with you,” Mr. Cagi stated, calling on young people in Ra and throughout Fiji to avoid drug use. He stressed the importance of taking care of both body and mind and warned of the grim realities of overflowing prison cells, urging youth to look beyond drugs for fulfilling paths to success.
Mr. Cagi concluded by reminding young people to stay faithful to God and focus on their education, as these aspects are instrumental in achieving a successful life, rather than succumbing to the temptations of drug use.
This call to action from community leaders like Mr. Cagi emphasizes the importance of local engagement in tackling drug issues and promoting healthier alternatives, fostering hope for a brighter future for the youth of Naseyani Village and beyond.
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