Changing the perception of Wainibuku in Nasinu begins with its young people.
For 22-year-old public health graduate, Epeli Salele Tikoyawa, communities such as Wainibuku, Nakasi, are often judged by the challenges they face, particularly crime, rather than the potential of the people who call them home.
As a youth advocate, Epeli wants to help change that narrative.
“I am trying my very best to at least make a change, change the perspective and be a leader for youth in my community,” he said.
Epeli hopes to inspire young people to look beyond the circumstances around them and work towards a better future.
His passion for community advocacy is also shaped by his studies. He recently completed a Level Three Certificate in Public Health, specialising in HIV and AIDS, and is now involved in advocacy and community work.
With Fiji experiencing a growing number of HIV cases, Epeli is particularly concerned about young people and believes greater awareness and support are needed within communities.
His long-term ambition is to work in the health sector as a health inspector or senior health official, with a particular focus on HIV and AIDS.
As Epeli puts it, leadership is not something that begins with a title or position but rather starts with the individual.
“Being a leader, starts with you,” he said.
His brief reminder to fellow youths in Wainibuku, Kadavu and Matuku is to find greater and meaningful purpose in life and commit to a higher calling.
“With a good plan and clear goals, young people can overcome their circumstances and reach the places they dream of going.”
