THE People’s Alliance party Youth Wing has committed to making its “Youth Skills Market” an annual event as it looks to create more opportunities for young entrepreneurs and connect youth with business and employment pathways.
Speaking at the market, Youth Wing general secretary Kava Masilagi said the initiative was designed as a youth-focused fair and night market where young entrepreneurs and local businesses could showcase their products and services.
She said the event brought together young vendors, including a 17-year-old selling homemade flower foams and slides, while also providing space for businesses to engage with potential young employees through recruitment activities.
“We’ve just really tried to make this a youth-friendly space, where youth can access other youth entrepreneurs,” Ms Masilagi said.
“And not only interact with them but also gain some encouragement.”
The market also served as a platform for employment opportunities, with companies invited to carry out recruitment drives and engage directly with young jobseekers.
Ms Masilagi said organisers deliberately brought together a mix of entrepreneurs, employers and public organisations to make the event more beneficial for young people.
“You know, there’s some youth out there who want to start up a business, but they don’t really feel that encouragement.
“So we’re hoping that seeing them in action tonight, they’d get that encouragement that they need.”
The Fijian Elections Office was also among the organisations participating, with the aim of making information and services more accessible in a setting designed specifically to attract young people.
Ms Masilagi said organisers hope the Youth Skills Market will continue to grow as an annual event, providing a regular platform for youth entrepreneurship, networking and employment opportunities.
