A youth forum held simultaneously in the major divisions is seeking youths input on how they want the ministry to assist them.

The two-day forum which began yesterday is hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

At the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Permanent Secretary for the Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Dr Josefa Koroivueta told some 200 youths: “We really want you to give us honest advice on what you need us to do to help you.

“To transform these opportunities into a positive reality requires us all, young and older Fijians to act together to realise the goal of a better life for all.”

At the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka, Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports Alison Burchell echoed similar sentiments and explained why the conference was set up this way.

“It holds special importance as it is being held at a time of significant growth and progress on a national scale. Our political leadership talks about “a leg up” and this is what we are about.”

In the North, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Iliesa Delana told 110 youths that their input would help the ministry in the 2017 to 2018 financial year.

“You just need to tell us what we need to do and why so we know what the expected outcomes will be,” Mr Delana said.

“This will be a co-operative approach across all ministries and the trainings sector. It has to be in order for us to succeed.

“I would like to emphasise on this  that we should no longer accept as ‘normal’ poor service that we receive” he said.

The youths were also urged to be physically active and eat healthy foods for their own benefit.

Ms Burchell acknowledged the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make the conference successful.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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