The Fijian Government’s commitment towards the development of rural youth will ensure they receive gainful employment in order to assist in their community’s progress.
The youth of Vitawa village in Ra were recently given a new boat and an engine to assist them in venturing into a new business. This will not only provide a new source of employment to these youths but also contribute towards empowering the villagers out of poverty.
Divisional Commissioner Western, Joeli Cawaki, while handing over the boat to the youth group said the new boat and engine was part of Government’s efforts to assist youths who wish to remain in the village and earn a decent income out of resources available to them.
“Government is committed towards eradicating poverty and providing a source of income to all Fijians. You deserve this boat because in the last few years, the milk fish project has been very successful,” Commander Cawaki said.
“We need to utilise our natural resources because we are the best people to put in place best practices in ensuring its sustainability.”
“We cannot rely on leases only. We need to start somewhere because there are so many initiatives that are in place by Government to ensure growth for individuals, groups, and communities,” Commander Cawaki added.
Government provided two thirds of the cost for the boat and engine, which came to $17,000.
Meanwhile, a similar project was initiated in Bureiwai, Nakorotubu in Ra last year which proved to be a successful income generating project - yielding a weekly profit of over $500 for the villagers there.
“The market is already there. However we have to be consistent in our supply and that is where we can capitalise on. We need to be market driven,” Commander Cawaki said.
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