In Naisilisili Village in Yasawa, young people now have more than just a place to gather — they have new gym equipment and renewed motivation to focus on their health and future.
During a visit to the village, Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Jese Saukuru handed over the new equipment, encouraging youths to use the facility to strengthen both body and discipline. He spoke openly about challenges facing young people, including rising drug use and HIV cases, urging them to stay informed, support one another and choose positive pathways.
The visit also marked the graduation of local youths from the Mobile Skills Training programme, delivered through a partnership between Fiji National University and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The programme provides practical skills aimed at improving employment and small business opportunities, particularly in maritime communities.
Graduate Luke Waqalevu said the outreach made a real difference for youths in remote areas. He shared that the new gym equipment would help keep young people active and focused, steering them away from negative influences.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health, Fiji Police Force, Ministry of Employment, and the Ministry of Business Development also conducted awareness sessions during the outreach, covering health education, law enforcement, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
For Naisilisili, the day was not just about new equipment or certificates — it was about creating space, opportunity and support for young people to move forward with confidence in their own community.