Youth Council targets teenage pregnancy concerns

Support systems are in place to assist young people affected by teenage pregnancies through two national umbrella bodies in Fiji.

National Youth Council of Fiji president Laisani Sepo said there were two key umbrella bodies under the council that worked with young people nationwide.

Ms Sepo said these were the Provincial Youth Forum of the Fiji Islands (PYFFI) and the Youth Assembly of the Fiji Islands (YAFI).

The two organisations each had distinct roles. The PYFFI brings together provincial-level youth groups from across Fiji, including Rotuma, Rabi, and Kioa, providing representation and coordination at the sub-national level.

“YAFI represents youth groups that are not part of the provincial forum structure, such as urban youth organisations, non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups, student alumni networks, and other national youth bodies,” Ms Sepo said.

She said when issues arose, they were addressed through a national executive board, which helped direct young people to relevant stakeholders.

“These youths can seek counselling or get help through the appropriate channels,” she said.

Ms Sepo said teenage pregnancy cases were often linked to contributing factors such as unemployment.

“I believe young people need to look at themselves, understand who they are, and acknowledge their culture,” she said.