Joeli Yabaki, the parade commander from Naqere Youth Training Centre, shared that his experience of receiving the Baton of Honour has taught him important lessons in time management.
The 18-year-old from Nabouwalu, Bua, is currently enrolled in the carpentry program at the training center in Savusavu. He characterized the cadet passing-out parade for students at the Fiji National Youth Training Centre as an emotional and overwhelming occasion.
The event saw cadets from two Ministry of Youth training centers, Naleba in Labasa and Naqere in Savusavu, participate in a joint passing-out ceremony. A total of 25 male and seven female cadets from Naleba, along with 24 male and two female students from Naqere, completed the cadet training program.
Mr. Yabaki reflected on how the seven-week training program instilled discipline and honesty, while also educating the youth about their responsibilities as patriotic citizens. He noted, “The training helped me grow as a person and make wise and timely judgments when leading the parade.”
His family attended the parade, and he commented on how youths today often engage in unproductive activities. He emphasized the importance of utilizing time wisely through productive and meaningful endeavors. As the overall best all-rounder of the program, he advocated for the annual continuation of such cadet training to positively shape more students.
Mr. Yabaki acknowledged that all cadets initially felt pressure to meet the high expectations of their parents and teachers. However, he noted that with each successful drill, their confidence grew.