Festival contestant uses her voice to empower youth

Adi Vota Malatava Lautiki is using the Miss Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North platform to encourage young people to embrace education, traditional knowledge and sustainable development.

Ms Lautiki is among seven queen contestants who will participate in the weeklong festival at Subrail Park in Labasa, beginning on August 29.

Sponsored by the Lions Club of Labasa, the 19-year-old is currently studying for a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations at Fiji National University.

“I believe our youth are the future of our communities,” Ms Lautiki said.

“Our traditional knowledge, values, culture, and practices are part of who we are, but they can easily be forgotten in this modern world.”

She wants to encourage young people to learn from their elders, value their heritage and use that knowledge to create a more sustainable future.

Ms Lautiki is originally from Mataniwai Village in Labasa, Macuata, with maternal links to Nabouwalu in Bua.

“I joined this festival because I wanted to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone and discover the woman I am capable of becoming,” she said.

“I also see this as an opportunity to represent my culture with pride, connect with my community and use my voice to inspire other young people.”

She said the experience was also about faith, courage and personal growth.

“I am a young woman who believes in staying true to who I am while continuously learning and growing,” Ms Lautiki said.

“I value my family, culture, and the lessons passed down by those who came before me. I may be young, but I believe my voice has a purpose.”

Ms Lautiki hopes to inspire others to believe in themselves, embrace their identity and never be afraid to dream bigger.