Joeli Yabaki, the parade commander from Naqere Youth Training Centre, expressed that receiving the Baton of Honour has highlighted the importance of time management in his life. At just 18 years old and hailing from Nabouwalu in Bua, Yabaki participated in the carpentry program offered at the training centre in Savusavu.
He described the passing-out parade for students of the Fiji National Youth Training Centre as a deeply emotional and overwhelming event. The parade saw cadets from two Ministry of Youth training centres, Naleba in Labasa and Naqere in Savusavu, come together for a joint ceremony.
From Naleba, 25 male and seven female cadets completed their training, while Naqere saw 24 male and two female cadets reach the finish line of their course. Yabaki emphasized that the seven weeks of cadet training were instrumental in instilling discipline and honesty, and in teaching participants the importance of their roles as patriotic citizens.
“The training helped me grow as a person and make wise and timely judgements while leading the parade,” Yabaki remarked. His family attended the event, and he noted that many youths today engage in unproductive activities. He learned that it is essential for young people to use their time in more meaningful and constructive ways.
As the overall best all-rounder, Yabaki advocated for the annual continuation of cadet training, believing it will positively shape more students in the future. He acknowledged that initially, all cadets felt pressure to meet the expectations of their parents and teachers. However, he noted that with each successful drill, their confidence grew.