Youth Granted Path To Follow Dreams, Aspirations

28/07/2020

ILISAPECI TUIVALE

Youth grants are designed to grow youth businesses so that their dreams and aspirations are achieved.

The Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations and Youth and Sports, Parveen Kumar, encouraged the youth of Saru Village on the outskirts of Lautoka to enter into the business field so that they can become independent thriving Fijians despite the current pandemic crisis that the world is going through.
Through this, they can also contribute towards the growth of the Fijian economy.

“During this current global and national downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we as Government and as a nation continue to dream, innovate and think and plan ahead on ways and means of keeping our economy growing.”

Minister Kumar also acknowledged the dedication and interest showed by lone grant recipient, Seremaia Koroi in pursuing trainings and workshops organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to run his kava canteen in Saru Village called Tee Jay Nem Kava Shop.

After setting up his kava canteen, Mr Koroi attended business training workshops held by the Ministry under the New Business Creation Course.

It was through this course that he was able to enhance his knowledge on the business concepts needed to run a successful business and learn the importance of operational discipline.

“It is an honour to be part of the National Youth Program with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, young people are having a hard time in finding employment,” Mr Koroi said.

His kava business was established two years ago in the hope of assisting his wife who was the sole breadwinner in his family, and to help in the family expenses of his household, especially in education.

“I was unemployed and I thought of running a small business to provide income to support my family.
Participating in the ministry’s training has opened ideas for me. I thought that opening a kava shop will inspire the youth in the village.”

“I also wanted to empower young people in the village so that they know we can do something worthwhile. Saru Village has a high crime rate and this kava shop project is a way for me to inspire youth to come away from crime and to move into more positive things in life.”

The Government through the ministry assisted Mr Koroi with $4980 worth of stock to rebuild and expand his business thereby providing employment opportunities for the youth of Saru Village.