Youth unemployment stands at almost 20 per cent, says mock Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker Mo’az Khan.
Speaking during Friday’s mock Youth Parliament sitting, he stated that data from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics shows one in four young Fijians is neither working, studying, nor in training.
“Employers cannot find skilled workers and every year more Fijians, young and talented are leaving our shores,” Mr Khan said.
This is not just wasted potential; it is a threat to Fiji’s future.”
He said this was the test that our youths were facing.
“If we fail to solve it, Fiji loses more than jobs. We lose hope, we lose ambition, we lose the very future of our country.”
He said with the National Youth Employment and Skills Development Program, the Government was addressing the issue.
“Let us expand vocational training in ICT, tourism, agriculture and renewable energy.
“Let us build a solid foundation for our youths and create an environment where they thrive. Let us guarantee apprenticeship with industries.
“If you finish vocational training, businesses can absorb you and we give tax incentives to these businesses that hire first time job seekers.”
He also called on the Government and the stakeholders to tackle drugs and social instability.
“There should be zero tolerance on traffickers.
We have a second chance program for our young users.”
