- GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO LOOK NORTH POLICY –Government’s commitment to the development of the Northern Division under the Look North Policy reiterated to Fijians in Savusavu in Cakaudrove last night.
- WORKSHOP TO ADRESS ISSUES CONCERNING YOUTHS-Key government agencies and Non-Government Organisation members converged this week for a workshop which mainly focuses on empowering 4,000 unemployed youths and adults around the country.
- IFEREIMI AIMS FOR GOLD AT THE OLYMPICS IN LOS ANGELES-“Go for Gold” is the motto for 17 year old Ifereimi Qaranivalu who will be representing Fiji at the two weeks Special Olympics hosted in Los Angeles, California. The student of Nausori Special School has shown that disability is not inability when it comes to achieving one’s purpose in life.
- GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO LOOK NORTH POLICY
Government’s commitment to the development of the Northern Division under the Look North Policy reiterated to Fijians in Savusavu in Cakaudrove last night.
Officially opening the Vodafone Savusavu Town Council Open Day Carnival, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Housing and Environment Samuela Namosimalua highlighted government’s commitment towards the Northern Division.
“Government is committed to seeing that Vanua Levu undergoes rapid expansion within a very short period of time as outlined in the Look North Policy,” Mr Namosimalua said.
Mr Namosimalua said the policy aims to pave way for higher economic activities from the region which is to subsequently improve Vanua Levu’s overall GDP.
“The upgrading and sealing of roads is a testimony to this, with the improvement of water reticulation, and extension of the power grid,” Mr Namosimalua said.
He said with the current development there were still plans to look into the Naduri Middle-point port plans and the proposed sewerage scheme for Savusavu.
“These are high cost projects that government is planning out.
“With these projects government is already working on the Seaqaqa and Nabouwalu townships, ”Mr Namosimalua said.
Mr Namosimalua also acknowledged the support of Vodafone Fiji towards the Savusavu town council to make the carnival a successful one.
“Savusavu Town Council has some major plans in line with the Look North Policy and Vodafone’s support as they will benefit ratepayers and other business houses,” Mr Namosimalua said.
- WORKSHOP TO ADRESS ISSUES CONCERNING YOUTHS
Key government agencies and Non-Government Organisation members converged this week for a workshop which mainly focuses on empowering 4,000 unemployed youths and adults around the country.
The workshop with the theme “Post 2015 Development Agenda on Children and Youth in Pacific” was organised by the European Union and opened by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar who stressed on the importance of such forum.
“Workshops such as this serve as a platform that focuses on strategizing on addressing key areas and priorities, applicable to youth’s needs and vision,” Minister Akbar said.
“The main objective is to engage youth development practitioners on relevant themes and subjects that impact young people in the region.”
Minister Akbar said issues such as education, youth migration and work opportunities, health care and social issues, violence against young people and violence against women are core topics that mainly affect the youths.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has been working closely with the National Youth Council to develop pro-active measures to assist young people with the challenges affecting them.
The Minister for Youths and Sports, Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou said this workshop gives a chance to other organisations to raise their voice on issues concerning youths.
“We have programs and training centres which are open to all youths,” Minister Tuitubou said.
“These programs under the National Employment Centre are monitored after the unemployed youths are registered.”
European Union’s Ambassador for the Pacific Andrew Jacobs while highlighting the importance of such workshops said “this will inspire young people to get engaged in development and bring the youth perspective into key development areas.”
“EU believes in the importance of raising young people’s voice because they are the ones who will assume the ownership of issues and priorities for the youth in the pacific,” Ambassador Jacobs added.
- IFEREIMI AIMS FOR GOLD AT THE OLYMPICS IN LOS ANGELES
“Go for Gold” is the motto for 17 year old Ifereimi Qaranivalu who will be representing Fiji at the two weeks Special Olympics hosted in Los Angeles, California. The student of Nausori Special School has shown that disability is not inability when it comes to achieving one’s purpose in life.
The sporty lad from Cautata village in Tailevu has been attending the Nausori Special School for the last 6 years. His intellectual disability has never deterred him from being the best in the sports he plays.
Ifereimi is proud to be among five other students from various schools who have been selected to represent Fiji at the Special Olympics in LA that begins this week on 25th July. The team left for LA this week on Tuesday, bearing the well wishes of the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar.
Based on the request of the Nausori Special School, the Ministry has also presented Ifereimi with sportswear to help him prepare for the challenge. Ifereimi was overwhelmed to meet with Minister Akbar at the Ministry’s headquarters in Suva on Tuesday. Minister Akbar reiterated that her Ministry will continue to reach out and empower children with special needs. With a wide smile on his face, Ifereimi says that he aims to win a gold medal for Fiji. He will be competing in the 200 meters relay and long jump.
“I am excited and ready for the challenge. Whenever I used to see aeroplanes fly high in the sky, I always dreamt that I will also have the opportunity to travel abroad. Little did I know that my passion for sports will draw me closer to my dreams. I am confident and will make Fiji proud. I am thankful for the support I have received from my parents and teachers. I am also motivated by Madam Minister (Rosy Akbar) who has encouraged me to believe in myself and strive for excellence,” Ifereimi said.
Ifereimi’s teacher, Ms Sofia Waqanidrola described him as a diligent and determined student.
“He is a disciplined young man and this has enabled him to be the best in the sports that he plays. His parents have always been supportive; they attend the meetings and are always there for him. We also thank Minister Akbar for fulfilling her promise by providing the assistance to Ifereimi. It’s great to witness that children with disabilities are recognized and supported by this government,” Ms Waqanidrola said.
Mrs Miliakere Biutisuva, Ifereimi’s mother said she is proud of her son’s achievements.
“He is the eldest and has set a good example for his brothers and sisters. We are so proud of him and he has shown that with courage and self-determination, one can achieve their goals. As parents we should have faith in our children, to help them aspire for their dreams,” she added.
The 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games will feature competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, football and many other summer sports involving 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world. It is set to welcome athletes from 170 nations to compete in the 25 Olympic-type sports. It’s a world stage for athletes to demonstrate on the playing field their courage and spirit of sportsmanship.
Press Release