Youths engage in talanoa session
IN a dynamic and engaging youth talanoa session in Suva, Avikesh Kumar, the Bula Pulse Youth Network representative, highlighted the significance of creating a space for young individuals to share experiences, address challenges within their communities, and strategise plans for positive change.
The focus of the session centred on breaking the cycle of repetitive conversations that, despite progress, seemed to revisit the same issues faced by young people over the past decade. Kumar stressed the need for a fresh perspective on youth development, advocating for collaboration as the key to unlocking opportunities, especially at grassroots level.
Reflecting on his personal journey over the past eight years, Kumar noted that while progress has been made, conversations on critical issues such as climate change and youth engagement remained stagnant.
“We’ve been having the same conversations for eight to 10 years now,” he said.
Kumar encouraged a departure from working in silos and urged young people to unite, emphasising the potential impact of collaborative efforts.
“The major topic for today is collaboration,” he said.
“How can we as young people come together, instead of working in silos, work together to implement projects and activities.”
The event served as an example of successful collaboration as the Bula Pulse Youth Network partnered with the US Embassy to bring the session to fruition.
“Whether we like it or not, the fact of the matter is, we don’t have the resources,” Kumar said.
He urged the attendees to explore collaborative opportunities with other youth organisations to pool resources and effectively implement activities. The session aimed to initiate dialogue on how individuals could support each other and collectively contribute to youth development.
In addition to Kumar’s insights, young entrepreneur Veresa Fung shared his perspective on the need to promote organic agriculture. Fung emphasised the importance of changing perceptions around farming, urging youths to take pride in being called farmers. He envisioned a future in which the farming profession was seen on par with other esteemed professions, challenging societal stereotypes.
“What we want is for people to be proud of being called farmers,” Fung said.
“We want youths today to look at the farming profession the same way they would when they hear doctors, lawyers, teachers, but that’s just not the case.”
The talanoa not only provided a platform for open dialogue but also ignited a call for collective action among young individuals.