Yabaki scoops Baton of Honour, values time
“The training helped me grow as a person and make wise and timely judgements when leading the parade,” he said.
Friday 30 August 2024 | 10:29
Naleba Youth Training Centre student and Baton of Honour winner, Joeli Yabaki (standing), with other cadets during their passing-out parade at the RFMF Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa, on August 29, 2024. Photos: Sampras Anand
The parade commander for Naqere Youth Training Centre, Joeli Yabaki, says his journey to being awarded the Baton of Honour has taught him the essence of time management.
The 18-year-old from Nabouwalu, Bua, joined the carpentry programme at the training centre in Savusavu.
Mr Yabaki described the cadet passing-out parade of Fiji National Youth Training Centre students as emotional and an overwhelming experience.
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Students from two Ministry of Youth training centres in Naleba, Labasa, and Naqere, Savusavu, had a combined cadet passing-out parade yesterday.
Twenty-five male and seven female cadets from Naleba while 24 male and two female students from Naqere completed the cadet training course.
Mr Yabaki said the seven weeks of cadet training helped instill discipline and honesty, and taught the youth about their role as patriotic citizens.
“The training helped me grow as a person and make wise and timely judgements when leading the parade,” he said.
His family were present during the parade. He said youths today spent their time in unproductive activities, but, he learnt that youths must utilise their time wisely in productive and worthwhile engagements.
The overall best all rounder, Mr Yabaki, said this cadet training should continue annually so that more students were positively moulded.
He said all cadets initially faced pressure to meet their parents’ and teachers’ expectations.
However, Mr Yabaki said with each successful drill, their confidence levels improved.
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
