There’s a need to create a new generation with which a sense of responsibility is given the highest priority, says Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran.
She told the Naitasiri Tertiary Students Association awareness event in Nadi these include the responsibility of taking care of family, children, values, communities and the vanua.
“We see a lot of money being spent on drinking and soqo (social occasions) but children go hungry to school or are left in other people’s care, often abused,” Ms Kiran said.
“I hope when you complete your studies, your goal will be to be good human beings in everything you do, work, home, your involvement in society.”
Ms Kiran said the students were Fiji’s emerging leaders.
“Engage yourselves in volunteerism. You will learn many invaluable skills that you will not acquire in school.”
She reminded students many of them were studying under government-funded scholarships.
“These are not just financial awards, they are investments.
“Investments by your government, yes – but also by your families who may have sold crops, held fundraising events, or sent their last dollar to help you get through school. And most importantly, by your vanua, which looks to you to one day return and lead.”
The minister said that in the pursuit of success, a crisis is emerging as family units are no longer valued.
“People are having babies, leaving them with relatives, in State homes, then going on to have new relationships.
“Think about it when you have a child, you have to take responsibility for that child – that is your greatest legacy, the values you leave with a child will run through generations, not the buildings you build.”
