Youth ambassadors trained to combat drugs, bullying and cybercrime

Forty-six students from 10 schools in Lautoka have been recruited as Crime Stoppers Youth Ambassadors, equipping them with the skills to help tackle issues such as drug abuse, cybercrime, bullying and violence in their schools and communities.

The students took part in a one-day Crime Stoppers Youth Ambassador workshop on Saturday at the Western Division Training Room.

The programme, organised by Crime Stoppers Western Division with support from Government agencies and non-government organisations, focused on developing leadership, communication and peer education skills to empower young people to become positive influences.

Western Divisional Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police Iakobo Vaisewa urged participants to use their voices to make a difference.

"You have a voice. Use it wisely. Your voice can influence change. Have the courage to make good decisions and choices. Stand firm in doing what is right, even when it is not popular," he said.

SSP Vaisewa reminded the students that while they faced challenges such as peer pressure, drugs, bullying and online risks, they had the power to make choices that could have a lasting positive impact on themselves and others.

The workshop also encouraged participants to introduce Crime Stoppers initiatives in their schools and help raise awareness among their peers about issues affecting young people.

Police acknowledged the support of Punja and Sons, Flour Mills of Fiji (FMF), the Crime Stoppers Board and Medical Services Pacific for making the programme possible.

The workshop was co-facilitated by Medical Services Pacific (MSP), the Online Safety Commission, Mending Minds Foundation, Building Resilience Through Hearts, Homes of Hope Fiji, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, the Crime Stoppers Board, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC), the Western Division Planning Department and the Western Division Training Department.