STAKEHOLDERS at a consultation in Nausori have called for stronger and more proactive village leadership to help steer young people away from drugs and criminal activities.
Venina Vakarusese raised concerns during the consultation hosted by the Ministry of Policing on Monday, where discussions were held on the draft counter-narcotics framework.
“There is a weak leadership with the village headman in the village,” Ms Vakarusese said.
She stressed the need for regular village meetings where youths could be directly engaged and educated about the dangers of drugs.
“There should be village meetings called regularly and where youths or young people should be addressed by police representatives, or relevant authorities about the effects of drugs.”
Ms Vakarusese emphasised that consistent guidance was essential, noting that young people were still vulnerable and impressionable.
“Youths should be guided regularly because they are still young.”
She also underscored the importance of involving families in prevention efforts.
“These types of village meetings should be inclusive of families where parents should also attend and be educated to help our youth.”
On leadership accountability, Ms Vakarusese suggested that ineffective village headmen should be replaced.
“If the village headman is not doing his job to be replaced, have someone that is very vocal and enthusiastic about the need to help our youths or young people steer away from peer pressure and drug or criminal related activities.”
Ms Vakarusese maintained that strong leadership and consistent community engagement were critical to protecting young people from peer pressure and drug-related influences.
