A new community initiative is giving young people from Namara district in Tailevu, a hope to excel in life, while developing essential life skills to prepare them for future success in education and career.

Salanieta Rawalai, founder of Tubalevu Village children’s club, has earned herself a scholarship from the Tailevu Provincial Council, to pursue a Diploma in Counselling at the Fiji National University (FNU).

This opportunity follows a partnership between the Fiji National University (FNU) and the Tailevu Provincial Council, aimed at ensuring that youth in the province are well-informed about FNU’s diverse course offerings and entry requirements.

Rawalai, has been awarded the Tailevu Provincial Council Scholarship following the FNU Outreach event.

Rawalai shared her journey as the club expanded to include more young people from other villages from the district.

On Thursday, during an outreach event, FNU representatives engaged with young people from Tailevu. Namara district is serving as the pilot for this partnership, with plans to extend the initiative to all districts within Tailevu soon.

“I started the club as a spiritual group and later decided to teach the children academic and practical skills, including baking. The youngest member is just three years old. The children now feel comfortable and are thriving, especially those in tertiary education,” Rawalai explained.

She emphasised that her studies would complement the work she does with for children’s club.

“This scholarship means a great deal to me, and I will continue to encourage the children in the club to pursue their dreams and work hard,” she said.

The event’s chief guest, Dr. Akanisi Kedreyate, a distinguished representative of Tailevu, highlighted the importance of the outreach in ensuring that youth from the region are well-informed about FNU and its offerings.

“This outreach provides an opportunity for the youth to reflect on their future. Namara district is the starting point, and we aim to reach every district within Tailevu. Following this outreach, we expect to see positive outcomes. It is now up to the young people to consider their future and that of their families,” Dr. Kedreyate said.

She further stressed the need for Namara district to prioritise education, encouraging the youth to aim higher and pursue self-employment.

“Tailevu needs educated individuals who can contribute to the development of their communities. Never be satisfied with what you have; always strive for more,” Dr. Kedreyate advised.

Dr. Kedreyate also urged the youth of Namara to remain grounded in their roots while focusing on personal and academic growth.

Ella Bennion, FNU’s Outreach Manager, also spoke at the event, emphasising the importance of education as a tool for personal and community development.

“By working closely with the Tailevu Provincial Council, we are ensuring that youth in rural areas have equal access to information about tertiary education. FNU offers programmes that cater to your needs, preparing you for the workforce and adding value to what you are already doing in your village,” Bennion concluded.

This partnership between FNU and the Tailevu Provincial Council is a significant step toward empowering the youth of Tailevu with the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.

The Tailevu Provincial Council has welcomed this initiative, recognising the potential to uplift the province’s youth.

The initiative aligns with FNU’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility to higher education across the country.