Value your families, says Saukuru

VALUE your families.

This is the call from Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru as reports of youths involved in drugs continue to pervade everyday news.

He said while the Coalition Government would continue to provide immediate support and opportunities for marginalised youth, they called on every parent to value their families.

“It is the cornerstone of human society,” he said.

“The ministry is seriously considering the establishment of rehabilitation centres around the country to address the current and future impacts of the high usage of drugs in our communities.

“I take this opportunity to thank all those who have been involved at the very grassroot to address issues of street kids, drugs, HIV/AIDS, violence against women and children, etcetera.”

He also responded to criticisms from the Opposition regarding the high unemployment rate among youths.

According to Mr Saukuru, the inaugural Youth Career Fair held across all four divisions yielded an overwhelming response from youngsters.

“I wish to remind my friend, honourable Koroilavesau, that there is indeed a lot of demand for employment here in Fiji.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports has discovered a critical strategy for the re-establishment of the National Youth Services Scheme founded in 1993 to help address the unemployment rate.

“Accordingly, recent studies show that lack of economic opportunities has led to extreme poverty within communities, leading young people to loiter around urban centres, live on the streets and engage in illegal activities. Therefore, the re-establishment of the National Youth Service Scheme will not only help the current youth challenges for the Government but will also hold significant implications in aligning with our commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.”