Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou handing over the assistance to Vitieloma Youth Cub president Asivili Tikinatabua on February 22, 2018. Photo: Ministry of Youth and Sports
The club is now working towards their next plan.
For years a group of youths were criticised for living their lives aimlessly.
The 10 youths of Davuilevu Housing, across the Rewa River from Nausori Town, were well known for their irresponsible behaviour.
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They liked their booze, they smoked weed and were unemployed.
But that was put to an end when they formed their youth club known as Vitieloma in 2009.
Clup president Asivili Tikinatabua said they started their group by setting up a grass-cutting business.
“We started by borrowing brush cutters and looking for home compounds to clean,” he said.
“Some of the boys in our club have been neglected in their homes because of unemployment.
“Before things got worse, we decided to change.”
Mr Tikinatabua said in 2010, they signed a contract with the Nausori Town Council.
“We were blessed with that job and till today, the council is paying us $3500 every month to clean Davuilevu Housing’s roadside,’’ he said. ”
Vitieloma Youth Club now employs 20 young men who earn a weekly wage of $130.
On Thursday, the club received two brush cutters from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Minister Laisenia Tuitubou who said the assistance was to help them with their cleanup project.
Anti-litter
Mr Tikinatabua said one of the challenges that they faced while doing their work is the rubbish along the roadside.
“It’s very disturbing to see that after we clean the area, people still throw and pile their rubbish along the roadside.
“We should at least be responsible for our own rubbish,’’ he said.
He said that would contribute to a clean Fiji.
Future Plans
The youth club is now working towards their next plan.
Mr Tikinatabua said there are discussions with authorities for the club to build a supermarket at Davuilevu Housing.
“Discussions are underway and that is our main target now,” he said.
He was thankful to the Government for the assistance and for always supporting them in their work.
“I encourage the youths out there. There’s always something we can do, and we all have the talent,’’ Mr Tikinatabua said.
“Wherever or whatever you are doing now, that is where the Lord has put you. Be it cleaning roads or sitting in the office, do it with all your heart because you will be blessed for your loyalty,” he said.
Edited by George Kulamaiwasa
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