Government Continues Help for North Villagers

Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru was the only Member of Parliament who took time on Christmas eve to visit villages in Vanua Levu and handed-over Income Generating Project (IGP) grants.

A key part of the visit was his meeting with members of the Nailou Youth Club at Nailou Village, in Cakaudrove.

The group consisting of 25 young members from the village applied for IGP grant this year and was awarded $5000 worth of equipment for a beekeeping.

The group received four double honey boxes loaded with bees, and honey farming tools, including a smoker, hive tool, and safety protective gear.

In addition to the IGP grant, Mr Saukuru also delivered sports equipment for volleyball, netball, rugby, and beach volleyball, nets, whistles and pumps.

Mr Saukuru said the handing-over was to support both youth development and sports engagement within the community.

“This visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to empowering young people in even the most isolated parts of Fiji,” Mr Saukuru said.

“By delivering resources that support sustainable livelihoods and promote physical activity, the ministry ensures that no youth is left behind.”

He said the journey to the village was a testament to the ministry’s mission to uplift and inspire communities across the nation.

Mr Saukuru said his team had to travel by boat for 30 minutes from the mainland to reach Nailou as there was no road access.

Sawani Youth Club

Mr Saukuru then visited Sawani Youth Club at Sawani Village in Cakaudrove to hand over a solar-powered freezer, a resource that will support the club in sustainable income generation.

He presented sports items, including equipment to encourage physical activity and promote sports development among the village youth.

“This visit reaffirms the ministry’s dedication to empowering Fiji’s young people, ensuring that rural and interior communities are not left behind,” Mr Saukuru said.

“Together, we are building stronger, self-reliant communities through development projects and youth engagement.”

Tools and resources to equip farmer

Mr Saukuru extended his engagement to Bua by reaching out to Anasa Kaitoa, a dedicated young farmer from Naruwai Village, who successfully applied for the ministry’s IGP grant.

Mr Kaitoa’s hard work and dedication to his farm have earned him recognition, but like many rural farmers, he has faced setbacks due to limited resources.

Through the IGP grant, Mr Kaitoa will now have access to essential farming equipment, including sprinklers, a spray tank, a water tank, roofing iron, and minor sprinkler parts to enhance his farming operations.

His farm is a testament to resilience and determination, producing a variety of vegetables, watermelons, dalo, and yaqona that not only sustain his livelihood but contribute to the village’s needs.

Mr Saukuru’s visit underscores the ministry’s commitment to supporting young Fijians in agriculture and rural development, ensuring they have the tools and resources to overcome challenges and thrive.

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