Shanil Walks Six Kilometres From Home To Work
A man, who walked six kilometres to work as a volunteer for youth activities, is now a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) human rights consultant in the Northern Division.
Mohammed Shanil was always interested in youth activities and development from his young days.
The 36-year-old bachelor was inspired by his friends who were also involved in the youth activities.
From them he got to know what the Fijian Government was doing for youths.
He went to the Ministry of Youth and Sports office in Labasa where he was advised to form a youth club.
“I managed to form the youth club and began to get engaged with the people of urban and rural settlements,” Mr Shanil said.
“I always wanted to bring youths from different settlements where we can work through a better network.”
Later he was given the opportunity to be part of the Labasa District Youth Council.
Mr Shanil worked as a volunteer for seven years in this council as the vice president and later as chairperson.
“We have struggled a lot to get a proper office, even the time when we started voluntary work,” he said.
“We were very fortunate after Minister Parveen Bala gave us one office space in Ro-Qomate House.”
He said it was always good to see that people are still there who can motivate you.
He explained that the Labasa District Youth Council was still a voluntary organisation and they managed to setup income generating projects.
“I always work towards supporting the youths and making them engage in more activities because they are the future leaders of our nation,” he said.
“At the same time I motivate myself to reach out to the youths because I don’t want them to struggle as I did.”’
He recalls how he used to lie to his friends while walking down from home to work since he was from a poor background and was unable to support himself financially.
“My father is always sick and mother does domestic duties,” he said.
“People should believe in themselves and keep moving forward.
“You have to struggle because you cannot get results overnight,”
He has completed Diploma in Computing and Electronic, Diploma in Fisheries, Bachelor in Fisheries from Fiji National University and Post-Graduation Certificate from University of Fiji.
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