Fijian television producer, Shanal Shivan, is among 20 young individuals from 18 countries announced as finalists of the 2020 Commonwealth Youth Awards.

The awards recognise outstanding Commonwealth youth whose projects were transforming lives in their communities and helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Focused on SDG 5 – Gender Equality, Mr Shivan started the television series Jazbaat.

According to Mr Shivan, it was a storytelling platform where 20 women of diverse backgrounds shared their experiences.

Jazbaat, which is also aired on Mai TV, reached more than 300,000 audience mostly, women.

“It means a lot to me to see my work recognised at an international level and I can’t thank the organisers enough for doing what they do,” said Mr Shivan.

“My journalism career was never a bed of roses. As a young and passionate journalist, I had always aspired to produce, write and document the best stories for and of Fijians.

“In this journey, I had been pushed around, wings cut short, but this did not put my spirit down. Amid COVID-19 last year, I launched the Jazbaat project.”

Mr Shivan said his wife, Shireen Shivan, had been a tower of strength.

“Also, MaiTV director Stanley Simpson, for airing the show. A big thank you to MaiTV chief executive Raijeli Vulaono for her continuous encouragement,” he said.

Mr Shivan is originally from Nadi and began his Journalism career at the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation in 2013 and later worked at Fiji One News.

He thanked the Commonwealth Secretariat for acknowledging his hard work.

The top finalist from each region will be announced as the regional winner at the official awards ceremony on March 10, 2021.

Of these five regional winners, one outstanding young person will become the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2021.

Edited by Selita Rabuku 

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