Youth groups need to register in order to access programs and assistance - Tuitubou

“Do communities in Fiji value the voices of our youths” was the theme of the Speaker’s Debate hosted by UNDP and the Fijian Parliament.

Speaking at the debate, Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou highlighted that they are reaching out to youths in the outer islands during his tours to the four divisions.

Tuitubou says the government will provide assistance and government services after the ministry’s talanoa sessions.

Tuitubou has also highlighted that youth groups need to register with the ministry in order to access programs and assistance.

Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa who was a panelist says issues that mostly affect youths were employment, education and training, cultural norms, sustainable goals and development 2030 and connecting with the communities.

Kepa says figures released by the Bureau of Statistics show the increase of school leavers who cannot get a place in tertiary institutions from 15 percent to 40 percent, while 8 percent of the youth population remain unemployed according to the National Employment Centre statistics.

She adds that only 5,685 people have managed to enter the work force through the National Employment Centre.

Responding to questions on the outcomes of his tour of the four divisions, Tuitubou says he has seen first hand youths who have started generating income after training was provided to them on boat building, sewing and other things.

Some of the issues raised during the speakers debate were to use youths in decision making at all levels, if the Sanatan Youth and the Fiji Muslim Youth Movement could work together, if a policy could be developed into a Bill for parliament, accountability within the National Youth Council, climate change,  programs developed for youths with disability and gender empowerment.

Minister Tuitubou says he will look into issues raised.

Over 300 youths were part of the speakers’ debate.

The panel included Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou, Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa, Lina Anne of the National Youth Council, Aneez Khan of the Muslim Youth Movement, Rovil Singh of Sanatan Fiji and Associate Dean of Otago University Dr. Patrick Vakaoti.