WHEN 18-year-old Eliki Rokomisa boarded a plane for the first time, he was not just leaving his small village in Macuata — he was taking his first step towards a much bigger dream.
Rokomisa, a Year 13 student at Nadogo Central College, is one of 58 young Fijians selected to be part of the 2025 Fiji Youth Parliament in Suva. For the soft-spoken teenager from Wainidrua Village in Nadogo, the experience has been nothing short of life-changing.
“This is my very first time in Suva, and my first time on an airplane,” he said, his eyes lighting up as he recalled the moment he stepped onto the aircraft.
“I never thought I’d get this chance. Some people in my village haven’t even been on a plane before.
“I feel blessed to be here.”
The four-day training program brings together young people from across the country to learn about lawmaking, governance, and leadership.
For Rokomisa, it is more than just a workshop – it is an opportunity to tackle a growing problem he has seen firsthand in his community: school dropouts and drug abuse among young people.
“There are a lot of youths in my village who have dropped out of school.
“They stay home all day, drink kava, and use drugs like marijuana.
“Some leave school because they feel it’s not worth it, while others have family issues. But after they leave, they just end up wasting their days away.”
He said seeing his peers fall into this cycle has been painful, especially when he knows they have the potential to achieve so much more.
“When I see my friends giving up on school, it hurts.
“I know they can do better, but they just don’t have the right guidance or motivation.
“Sometimes, they don’t see a future beyond the village.”
This is why he applied for the Youth Parliament — to learn how to be a leader and bring that knowledge back home.
“When I return, I will make sure to raise awareness about the effects of marijuana and the disadvantages of leaving school early. I want to encourage young people to stay in school, to keep learning, and to have hope for their future.”
Rokomisa’s journey to Suva was not without challenge. Coming from a rural background, opportunities like this are rare.
He said applying online for the program was a leap of faith — one he wasn’t sure would succeed.
“When I got the email saying I was selected, I couldn’t believe it.
“I showed it to my parents, and they were so proud. It’s not just my achievement; it’s for my whole village.”
Through the Youth Parliament program, he has been learning how laws are made and how Parliament operates.
He said the sessions have opened his eyes to how young people can make a difference in shaping Fiji’s future.
“Sometimes, we think Parliament is only for adults or experienced leaders.
“But this program has shown me that young people also have a voice. We can bring new ideas and help solve the problems we face in our communities.”
As the Youth Parliament wraps up, Rokomisa is already thinking about what comes next.
His ultimate dream is to one day sit in Parliament as an elected representative, fighting for issues that matter to young Fijians.
“I want to be the voice of my people.
“One day, I hope to win a seat in Parliament and help create opportunities for youths like me, especially those from rural areas.”
For now, he is focused on returning to Wainidrua with a message of hope — and a plan to inspire others to dream big, just as he has.
“Even if I can help just one young person choose education over drugs, that will be a success.
“Because change starts with one person — and I’m ready to be that person.”
Eliki Rokomisa during the mock Youth Parliament siting at the Parliament complex in Suva on Friday. Picture: PARLIAMENT OF FIJI
