Special occasions are always given much pomp and colour, with families tucking into sumptuous meals and everyone enjoying the moment. Imagine if it’s your birthday and you’re told to plant root crops in your neighbour’s plantation. Would you take the challenge?
A few might but that is exactly what our youths in the north did when they celebrated National Youth Day last week.
On this special day they toiled under the sun, planting kumala, cassava, dalo, pumpkin, French bean, bele, cabbages and egg plant - an exercise they felt crucial to the restoration of fresh food supplies, especially at a time when food is a real need in the north.
Putting into practice this year’s youth theme: “Youth: Our Key to Growth and Prosperity,” youth groups near eight schools mobilised themselves and planted food for these schools. At Saqani Secondary School, 535 kumala mounds and vegetables were planted by 43 youth from Naboutini, Sese, Lakeba, Navutu, and Vuniwai villages at the school farm.
Thirty youth from Kavula, Banikea, Nasorowaqa, Nakadrudru, and Nauavoivoi were engaged at Lekutu Secondary School. They managed to plant 300 kumala and 550 cassava mounds. In addition, they planted eggplants and vegetable seeds.
Duavata Secondary School was fortunate to have the services of 78 youths from Lagi, Qaranivai, Nukusa, and Cawaro. One thousand kumala, 250 cassava mounds, 300 French beans and 13 pumpkin plots were planted.
One thousand dalo, 330 kumala mounds and vegetables were planted at Vunisalusalu Secondary by 35 youths of Vuinadi, Vatukuca, Ravita, Korerega, and Koronikoli. Sixty-seven youths from the Tikina Navakasiga planted 300 kumala and 800 cassava mounds, complemented by beans, pumpkins and egg plants for Navakasiga District School. In addition, they repaired the school fence and mowed the school lawn.
In Dogotuki, Macuata, 67 youths planted 1000 kumala, 120 mounds of cassava, and 50 bele plots. They also set up a nursery for cabbage and egg plants. Navatu Secondary School is blessed with the services of 30 youths from the villages of Korosi, Korolevu, Navakaka, and Nasinu who planted 656 kumala mounds and vegetables.
Finally at Visoqo District School, 1000 kumala and 100 cassava mounds, vegetable plots and nurseries for cabbage and egg plant seeds were prepared by 45 youths from nearby communities. The benevolent gesture shown by the northern youths is testimony of the power of youth in making a difference in our communities.
The Ministry extends its sincere gratitude and “vinaka vakalevu” to all the northern youths, who sacrificed their time and commitment for their younger siblings at school.
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Mr Filipe Bole