Epeli Tukuwasa counts himself fortunate to be among the few assisted with the Young Adults Development Reform Alliance (YADRA).

The YADRA shelter is located at Mulomulo in Nadi, and its primary goal is to get disadvantaged youths off the streets before helping them transition back into society.

“We have learnt many things at the YADRA shelter, but mainly just loving each other and finding our purpose in life,” Mr Tukuwasa said.

The 25-year-old said he considered working with YADRA a second chance.

“We have also been given a second chance in life by learning a lot of important skills that we will need later in life when we have our own families.

“Before coming to the shelter, many of my friends were in town, I would visit them, then I went through life on the streets. I couldn’t just leave them on the streets, so I had to stay with them.”

Mr Tukuwasa has resided at the YADRA shelter for two years but still treasures his friendship with those on the streets.

“I also come to visit my friends on the streets every now and then.

“Some of them have nowhere to go, so they’re sleeping on the streets.

“YADRA has given us opportunities. Some of us are now working in restaurants, others are working in hotels. We love the support we receive.”