YOUTHS from parts of the Western Division gathered in Nativi Village, Ra, yesterday to participate in a capacity building workshop that could boost their effective engagement in decision making and community development.
Opened by the Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou, the two-day workshop was organised by the United Nations Development Programme, the National Youth Council of Fiji and the Ministry of Youth.
Mr Tuitubou said young people needed to be well equipped with decision- making skills in order to become effective future leaders under the processes which existed under a democratic society.
He said the workshop aimed to help youths achieve understanding through a civic education tool kit.
UNDP deputy resident representative Akiko Fujii said youth participation in formal decision making was critical to the peace and development of a country.
“UNDP is committed to supporting young people in developing leadership skills, so they will be confident and competent in expressing their voices in such decision making processes,” Ms Fujii said.
