The Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Bala Kumar, have invited youths of Labasa to attend the National Youth Conference to be held in Suva from March 26-28.

The conference is to highlight on issues affecting youths and that youths from all the divisions around the country can get together and hear the needs of other youths from other divisions .

In his opening speech at the Labasa Youth Council meeting, the minister said government recognised the generosity, efforts and contributions of the council and its members to the Northern communities.

“This Government is committed to the development of young Fijians and in doing so have put in place programmes, initiatives and strategies to ensure that youth development is consistent, inclusive and aligned to the Government’s National Development Plan and priorities”, Mr Bala said.

“Our Government agenda is to ensure that no one is left behind irrespective of who you are, we’re making conscientious efforts to give recognition and awards where it all matters.”

A number of youths received  awards and were congratulated for their achievements.

Their excellent work in enhancing government youth initiatives and development programmes have made our society equal for all Fijians.

The award for Female Youth of the Year went to a surprised 20-year-old Raksha Rakshita Prasad of Korovatu.

She is a volunteer and actively involved in activities, office work.

She teaches female members with sewing skills, soap and jam making.

Ms Prasad also advises young people to show interest and join youth groups and be actively involved in activities by giving back to the community and not be only focused on technology.

Edited by Percy Kean