Lokia elders use traditional values to combat drug abuse among youth

As Fiji grapples with a growing illicit drug problem, Lokia Village in Rewa is confronting the issue head-on by openly addressing drug abuse and reinforcing traditional values to keep its young people away from drugs.

Village headman Asesela Sadole said the cultivation and abuse of illicit drugs remained the biggest challenge facing the village, prompting elders to take a proactive approach before the problem worsened.

Rather than remaining silent, village leaders are working closely with young people through counselling, traditional teachings and firm guidance.

"The biggest challenge facing our village is the cultivation and abuse of illicit drugs," Mr Sadole said.

"It is a nationwide problem, but we are dealing with it by guiding our young people through teaching and stern advice."

Mr Sadole said alcohol and illicit drugs were not tolerated in the village, with clear consequences for anyone found breaking the rules.

However, he stressed that discipline did not involve physical punishment.

"Everyone knows what will happen if they are caught. We do not use physical punishment. Instead, village elders counsel them and give them stern warnings."

He said village leaders had a responsibility to confront the issue rather than ignore it.

"This is not the time to remain silent. Villages must speak openly about this problem because if we don't, who will?"

Mr Sadole said the village's focus was on preventing young people from turning to drugs by teaching them the importance of making the right decisions from an early age.

"We constantly remind our young people that the choices they make today will shape their future. We cannot expect them to make the right decisions as adults if we do not guide them while they are young."

Village leaders believe strengthening traditional values, respect and community responsibility is one of the most effective ways to steer young people away from drugs and other social problems.