Youth Applaud New Resource Centre

Accessibility to information comes with its advantages and disadvantages and youth must take responsibility with what information they share and preserve
The opening of a new resource centre in Labasa by the Government has been applauded by youth groups in the Northern Division.
The centre is equipped with furniture, and desktop computers for internet access.
There are also training manuals, handbooks, reference books, directories, leaflets, posters and brochures which youths can access for much needed information.
The centre will help youths in their project proposals and get educational opportunities through flexible learning.
The centre was opened by the Minister of Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou, yesterday.
Youth 4 Champ representative Jay Nasilasila said the resource centre would allow youths to have quicker and easier access to information.
“Our youth spend $2 to $3 a day doing their proposal project papers. Now they can do so free of charge,” Mr Nasilasila said.
“It is a pleasant environment for learning and free access to information is something huge for youths in the Northern Division,” Mr Nasilasila said.
“Young people will enhance their computer knowledge, improve writing skills and share ideas on drafting proposals for business, grants or job application.”
Naseakula Youth Club member Asenaca Boigo said the centre supported a wide range of learning activities.
“Materials are varied, including training manuals, handbooks, reference books, directories, leaflets, posters, games, videos and samples of equipment,” Ms Boigo said.
Mr Tuitubou said the ministry was committed to uphold youth’s rights to information under the 2013 Constitution.
“Information plays an important part in the wider learning process. Learning takes place through discussions with colleagues, practical experience, and consulting newsletters, books and audio-visual materials,” Mr Tuitubou said.
“Government is working to ensure that all of Fiji has access to wired and wireless network coverage.
“We have witnessed the power of the mobile phone and how it allows us access to information we could only dream of in the past. Nonetheless accessibility to information comes with its advantages and disadvantages and we must take responsibility with what information we share and preserve,” he said.
Mr Tuitubou said the empowerment of youths has a lot of benefits to offer society.
“Empowerment also helps to reduce crime rate; when someone has a skill to trade, he misses the chances of engaging in anti-social behaviours as empowerment leads to self-employment and rapid industrialisation,” he said.
“This Government through the use of information is addressing one of the key issues in the country today and that is the alleviation of poverty by empowering youths.
“Through engagements with stakeholders, Government has in place programmes that are designed to alleviate poverty in our communities and the country as a whole.
“These programmes are primarily designed to ensure the financial securities of each recipient.”
“These comprise the transfer of skills and work ethics and it also gives or adds meaning to life, especially as one is given a position of authority or as one commands respect,” he added.
Edited by Percy Kean
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