PEOPLE deserve a second chance.
Leone Niumataiwalu’s inspiring, motivational story is one such example.
Niumataiwalu was a street kid all of his life until he came to know of a Tour Guiding Fundamentals course sponsored by the Ministry of Youth & Sports.
This was a turning point for the Sabeto villager who decided to develop his skills and expertise at the FNU School of Tourism & Hospitality in Namaka, Nadi.
“I have always dreamt that one day I will work for a tour company, and it came to this day that I was enrolled for this course,” Mr Niumataiwalu shared.
“In Sabeto we receive a lot of tour operators such as Rosie Holidays and other companies based in Nadi.”
Niumataiwalu was among the 44 streets kids who graduated from the Tour Guiding Fundamentals course last month.
“We were told to choose our courses, and I chose tour guide because of the employment opportunities in Sabeto.
“The history of Sabeto I’m well versed with because I was born there.
“At Sabeto we have the mud pool, garden tours, horse riding, village tours so I’m hoping that one day I would be working as a tour guide.
“I hope that this course will open the door for work opportunities because we have been given certificates.”
Niumataiwalu said before joining the upskill training he was roaming the streets of Nadi Town “looking for ways to get money”.
“At some stage it was not good because I would be arrested by police.
“However, when the opportunity came to do this course, I did not regret it because I knew it was going to help shape my future.
“There were four phases which we did – physical training, mental training and emotional training, and then spiritual training and we were at the Lautoka youth camp to help us with our spiritual life.
“Also, I wanted to improve my life by doing things that would enable me to become a better person in my community and get money from my hard work.
“I was roaming around Nadi Town for more than 10 years, involving myself in things that was bad for me.
“My advice to those who are in villages and communities is to please join the training programs offered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, they will assist you and you do not have to pay anything.”