More than forty trainees at the Youth Training Centre in Valelevu can now boast a deep knowledge of music after graduating following a ten month training stint this week.
The centre which trains youths from all over the country boasts one of the most prospective programme rolled out by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Assistant Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations and Youth and Sports Hon. Alvick Maharaj, while officiating at the graduating ceremony said that many youths from the centre have been fortunate enough to have found employment after undergoing the training programme at Valelevu.
“We have trainees who have joined the disciplined forces and I extend the appreciation of the Ministry to these institutions for giving graduates of this Youth Training Centre opportunities for employment.” Hon Maharaj said.
“Many a product of the NYB have joined these institutions and have performed well above expectations and I am sure many of you graduating today will follow the same pathway.”
The Minister further said that the Ministry is now focusing on the most vulnerable to give them the hand up that they may need to succeed.
“The need to empower youth for a better tomorrow is connected both, to the financial elevation as well as improvement of the standard of living and this is imperative not only for national development of an entire country but also for personal development of an individual and in this regard, the role of young people in shaping Fiji’s economy is clear.” adds the assistant minister.
“The Ministry is committed to innovation to grow skills that align with industry demand and is approaching this holistically.”
“We are aware as a Ministry that we have numerous challenges to address including preparing for leadership, developing critical thinking, creativity and innovation and our vulnerable youth populations living with disabilities and marginalised,” he further said.
“Government recognises that young people will take over key leadership positions in the not too distant future and have placed our greatest emphasis on empowering our youths for a better tomorrow.”
Implemented in 1992 the National Youth Band (NYB) programme have seen graduates being recruited into the army, the British Army, Fiji Police Band and the Fiji Navy because of the skills they acquired through the NYB programme.
Whilst music remains the core programme, trainees are also instilled values associated with leadership training, financial management, life skills and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award programme.