Qarau to champion mental health awareness at Friendly North Festival

Selai Qarau will use the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North platform to advocate for mental health awareness.

The 24-year-old, sponsored by Galaxy Hotel and Rentals, is among seven contestants vying for the Miss Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North title.

Originally from Nakanacagi Village in the district of Dreketi, Macuata, with maternal links to Nasolo Village in Bua, Ms Qarau works as a centre manager at South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Microfinance Fiji Pte Limited in Labasa.

The festival’s theme this year is “Healthy youth, wealthy North”, which Ms Qarau said inspired her to focus on mental health.

“I chose to encourage youths to rise above challenges and inspire change through mental health awareness,” she said.

“Mental health is a serious and rising concern, yet it is often overlooked. Thus, I want to use the platform to educate young minds that their mental health matters.”

Ms Qarau said mental-health advocacy starts with creating an environment where people feel safe to speak about what they are going through without being judged.

“In communities where spirituality and faith are important, I think churches and faith leaders can play a positive role by promoting hope, compassion, acceptance and community support,” she said.

“At the same time, we need to make sure people understand that mental illness is not a failure of faith.”

Spiritual support can complement professional mental health care, while people should be encouraged to seek appropriate help when needed.

“I would like to use communication and storytelling to reduce stigma, educate people and remind people that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she said.

The annual weeklong festival will begin on August 29 at Subrail Park in Labasa.