ILISAPECI TUIVALE
Members of the Balevuto Youth Club of Balevuto Village in Ba were all smiles after receiving their Youth Empowerment Grant materials from the Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Kumar at their village hall.
With the aim of exporting the crops that they have planted in their youth-farm, the assistance came as an added boost for the plans that they have set out for the club and the village.
In his address to the youth and the villagers, Minister Kumar conveyed his appreciation to the mataqali for allocating a piece of land for the youth to use in their initiative to venture into commercial agriculture.
He also commended the youth for their interest in trying to earn an income for themselves and contribute towards the development of their village.
“Through this programme, the Ministry of Youth and Sports ensures that it continues to encourage our youth to work in partnership with the community and the Government while using the available resources to create employment opportunities in this village,” Minister Kumar stated.
With the correct approaches and sustainable practices, he said the Ministry had confidence that the farming venture will assist many families and the village of Balevuto in terms of food security and employment.
“It is my hope that the materials handed over will assist the Balevuto Youth Club in engaging the youth in farming as a business. Therefore, I urge you to utilise the land available to you, make good use of the tools and fencing materials and engage your members in this initiative for the betterment of the Balevuto community.”
Minister Kumar also reminded the villagers that working together as a nation is vital during this COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would like to encourage everyone who has a smartphone to download the careFIJI app, by doing so, you are helping Fiji in our campaign against COVID-19. This app ensures the safety of our loved ones as it assists the Ministry of Health in contact tracing – preventing a major community outbreak.”
The Youth Empowerment Grant materials donated to the youth club of Balevuto Village will assist in their commercial farming venture to provide employment and development of the village.
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