Joeli Yabaki, the parade commander at Naqere Youth Training Centre, shared that receiving the Baton of Honour has imparted crucial lessons on time management. At just 18 years old and hailing from Nabouwalu, Bua, Yabaki participated in the carpentry program at the training centre in Savusavu. He described the recent cadet passing-out parade for Fiji National Youth Training Centre students as an emotional and overwhelming experience.
The combined passing-out parade featured students from two Ministry of Youth training centres, including Naleba in Labasa and Naqere in Savusavu. A total of 25 male and seven female cadets from Naleba, alongside 24 male and two female cadets from Naqere, successfully completed their training.
Yabaki emphasized that the seven-week cadet training fostered discipline and honesty while educating the youth about their responsibilities as patriotic citizens. He noted, “The training helped me develop as an individual and make wise and timely decisions when leading the parade.”
His family was in attendance during the event. Yabaki acknowledged that many youths today engage in unproductive activities, but he has learned the importance of using time wisely in beneficial pursuits. As the overall best all-rounder, he advocated for the continuation of the cadet training program each year to positively shape more students.
He remarked that although all cadets initially felt pressure to live up to the expectations of their parents and teachers, their confidence grew with each successful drill.