ILISAPECI TUIVALE
One of the key aims of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Youth Grant is to create more independent youth business operators who become job creators instead of job seekers.
This was the message sent out by the Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports, Parveen Kumar while officiating at the handing out of grants to youth recipients from Waimalika, in Sabeto, Nadi.
“This is an important step for many of you to achieve your dreams. As someone who has worked in a business environment and ran a family business, I am aware of the sacrifices and hard work required to run a successful business. There are various formal and informal means of training and education that you can explore,” Minister Kumar stated.
Youth groups and young people were also reminded to contact the respective Youth offices in their districts to ensure that their applications for the grant can be accessed and to allow them to venture out into fields of their interests.
“I urge all the youth and youth clubs to get in touch with our officers, and apply for the grant when applications open.”
The recipients were reminded to learn about their businesses as it grows and enhance their skills and knowledge as business operators.
“Do not be scared to ask and learn from those who have run successful businesses. As youth, learn to respect and follow your own ideas and judgment when it comes to running your business,”
Minister Kumar said.
Viniana Talei, a grant recipient who operates a baking business called Talei’s Creations from her home in Votualevu is thankful for the timely assistance she received and stated that this will be an added boost to her business.
Acquiring her baking skills from her mother, the 27-year-old said catering has always been an interest and her dream is to open a coffee shop in Namaka Town or Nadi Town.
“I am deeply honoured to be one of the successful recipients of this grant and I know that with these items, the dreams and goals of my small business will be achieved much easier in the near future,” Ms Talei said.