Young people need more life experience to be responsible citizens of Fiji - Tiko

Young people need experience outside the classroom to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of Fiji.

Those were the words of the Permanent Secretary of the Education Iowane Tiko at the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Workshop for secondary school teachers in Central and Eastern divisions at Holiday Inn in Suva today.

Tiko says this award is internationally recognized leading youth achievement award which is available to all 14 to 24 year olds and has inspired 8 million young people across the globe.

He says the program is also targeted at empowering training specifically in developing the young minds of future leaders.

Tiko adds the award’s non-formal education model can provide an alternative way for young people in the rural and maritime area that are not in the formal education to gain a sense of self-esteem and achievement.

He says the programme wishes to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills which will ultimately improve students’ academic performance.

Meanwhile the officer in charge of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Olivia Tawaqa says they want to motivate young people in ensuring that participants complete their activities and also contribute to raising the standard of the award in Fiji.