AZARIA FAREEN
TEVITA Dogoya, 25, has applauded the initiative of the Fijian Government for its effort to up-skill youths through non-formal education programs and prepare them for better job opportunities for their future.
The Naitasiri young man shared these sentiments while receiving a certificate of registration for Nashville Youth Club as its president.
“These kinds of opportunities help the youths to develop skills of their interest, especially those who are unemployed to secure a decent employment mainly during this tough time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Dogoya said.
“I feel excited and also overwhelmed in receiving the certificate as I know there is success in this field and where I can develop youth programs and also progress and create jobs for them.”
“There are more than 100 members in the club and majority of them are school students with some members working and others either farming or doing domestic duties,” he added.
“Vatukoula is one place which is well-known in street fights and I was interested in joining the “Train the Trainer Program” hosted by the Fiji Sports Commission to develop my boxing skills. I took part in a boxing match recently and I wish to develop it more with the assistance of boxing equipment donated by the Government.”
“I am working at the Vatukoula Gold Mine and studying Certificate in Electrical Engineering at the same time and I am the sole breadwinner for my 10 member family,” he added.
Mr Dogoya also aims to start a small business of a canteen and bakery in order to engage youth members positively in income generating activities where they will be able to supply bread to the nearby communities.
Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations and Youth and Sport Parveen Kumar commended the 40 youths while handing them with Youth Empowerment Training Certificates in Arc Welding Technology and General Plumbing Course provided by the Fiji National University.
He also handed over Youth Club Registration Certificates to members of Nashville Youth Club from Nasivi Stone House Community and Lomalagi Youth Club as well as donating sports equipment to the members of Nadolodolo Youth Club to assist them in organising wellness activities in the community.
We strive to build resilience in our youth through training, projects and various initiatives that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has to offer and prepare our young Fijians for the future,” Minister Kumar said.
“Through this program we assist communities in maintaining their health and fitness and at the same time develop their talents in sports,” Minister Kumar added.
“The Fijian Government prioritises youth development because we cannot deviate from the fact that youths are our future leaders and the economic drivers of our beloved nation. We must invest in our youths in any way possible.”
Minister Kumar also encouraged the youths to be innovative and think of ideas which can help their families and community.
-ENDS-