Teaching student, Moriti Matavesi, believes his theory and practical lessons have prepared him well to compete at the Digicel Duavata Crime Prevention Carnival.

The Fiji National University (FNU) final year student in Labasa, is one of the four contesting the king title.

The carnival began last Saturday at Subrail Park in Labasa with the first two public judging completed.

Northern Premier Music Centre-sponsored Mr Matavesi is the first in his family to participate on a public platform.

“I decided to get out of my shell and experience the dream of performing and speaking in front of a vocal Labasa crowd,” he said.

This motivated him to register an expression of interest with the Carnival organising committee and break the barriers that stopped him previously.

The Bachelor of Primary Education student said: “With the blessings of our family, Carnival organising committee and God Almighty, I hope to win the Kings category.”

Originally from Nasea Village in Macuata, the 24-year-old said his parents and cousins were proud that he was finally stepping out of his comfort zone.

The eldest of the four siblings is encouraging youths who were undergoing depression and mental breakdowns to build an inner trust within to overcome their problems.

“From the Lifeline Fiji suicide stats, youths accounted for 60 per cent of all suicide cases in the country and our future workforce and leaders must not lose their lives like this, he encouraged.”

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj