GYI Youth facilitators and participants

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GYI members. Picture: GYI FIJI

I hope many youths out there understand that it is OK to FAIL. Our generation has been constantly punished for failure without being shown the way to do better or improve and that’s where the fear of failure comes in.

My advice is don’t be afraid to fail, take a leap of faith and learn from your failures. This is what gives your life the experiences you’ll cherish and learn from, this will take you a step forward to finding your true purpose.”

These are the words of Global Youth Initiative Fiji youth facilitator Mewan Lee who shared his experience for Kaila! newspaper. “The experiences I had was extraordinary.

It was exciting to meet so many beautiful souls and to create a bond with each other. There were so many experiences and life stories shared, new relationships formed and we achieved a level of trust and understanding that brought comfort to so many present,” Mewan added.

The Global Youth Initiative Fiji event was part of an international event initiative by the global John Maxwell Team held on Wednesday, October 24 at Albert Park.

The 15 youth facilitators that organised and ran the event had completed youth leadership curriculum called I Choose that provided the foundation these young adults needed to be able to take the next step to become Youth Facilitators at the Global Youth Initiative – Fiji event.

“The I Choose curriculum equipped me with the tools and a great group of friends who became family that I needed to better understand the emotions and values of different individuals and myself.

It helped me to look at things from all perspectives with an open mind. I think this is what really built my foundation and helped me to become a youth facilitator at the GYI event,” Mewan said The GYI – Fiji event had more than 100 youth present on the day.

Two participants that were part of the event had also shared their experiences on the day.
Paul Rukulawe
“I was advised by a friend about the GYI event and he eventually became my facilitator too. It was great because it was an eye opener for me too. I learnt that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel and to take the loss as a stepping stone instead. I think the event itself gave me answers and ideas on how to counter failure moving forward”.

Tegumailagi Toganivalu. Picture: GYI FIJI
Tegumailagi Toganivalu
“I learnt about the event through one of my good friends from High School Nacanieli Ratu.

He sent me the link via social media so I came by myself, but I made new friends that I still keep in contact with today.

This event was an eye opener and allowed me to learn new things.

I’m very grateful for all the lessons that I learnt through the videos, speakers and group sharing. All in all 10 out of 10 experience.

Some lessons that I keep close to my heart is that “failure is a stepping stone for success” and that “it’s OK to fail”.

Sometimes I push myself too hard where I may tend to lose myself because I feel the need to prove myself.

After the GYI conference I was able to accept myself and trust myself to know that I’m doing my best. It helped my character building and even my self-esteem.

I was able to hear stories from my peers and others which really made me feel good and opened my eyes to new perspectives and opportunities of life. After this new found perspective a few things I’d like to tell my fellow peers is that:

1. It’s OK to not to be OK;
2. You don’t need to prove your worth to anyone, you just got to keep trying to be a better version of yesterdays you;
3. Failure is a sign that you’re trying, never give up;
4. In all things have a positive mind, always look for new opportunities;
5. Don’t say why me to a situation, but say try me to a situation;
6. Leaders don’t lead in front or the back, but lead beside others and help others;
7. In a society that picks out all the bad things just turn a blind eye and dead ear. Never belittle yourself and keep looking forward. No one can pull you down no matter what”.

Towards the end of the GYI – Fiji event, the organisers had put together a few prizes for the participants, one of which was awarded to Mr Rukulawe. He was one of two people awarded the Most Influential Presenter.

Ms Toganivalu on the other hand was also a presenter for her group and had given an impressive presentation herself on the day.

A couple weeks have passed since the GYI – Fiji event, however, the young adults that were part of the event continue to remain in contact today after the GYI – Fiji organisers had created a private group for participants and for all other young adults who have completed a John Maxwell values based program.

By doing this, the organisers had hoped to continue creating and building a network where youth value themselves and are able to add value to others.
* Gabriella Ho is the communications associate at SALT Incorporated Ltd, a development consultancy based at Laucala Beach Estate, Suva.

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