Women’s Minister Sashi Kiran says there’s an urgent need to talk about the difficult issues and challenges facing young people.
She told the Naitasiri Tertiary Students Association awareness event in Nadi this week “we don’t openly speak about sexual reproductive health, yet that is a real crisis facing our young”.
“As sons and daughters of Naitasiri, you carry the spirit of your vanua wherever you go,” Ms Kiran said. “Whether you are studying in Suva, Lautoka, Labasa, or abroad — you are not alone.
“When there is an incident regarding one of our young ones there are shock waves. It’s time to talk about the difficult issues and challenges facing our young.”
Ms Kiran pointed to mental health challenges, peer pressure, drugs and substance abuse, including the challenges of HIV and other STIs.
“We don’t openly speak about sexual reproductive health, yet it is a real crisis facing our young.
“The Government, across all its ministries, and our partners have been expanding outreach, health services, counselling, and awareness campaigns to tackle this crisis. But you, as students and peer leaders, are our strongest allies in this fight.
“I have spoken with many of your youths and I have been told the pressures and temptations are too many. When you are young there is always that feeling of needing to fit in.”
Ms Kiran said challenges with online violence also created a necessity for education on safe usage of online space.
“How do we encourage youth to embrace their authenticity?
“Coming from a rural setting, you bring many advantages of daily problem-solving that can be translated well in your new life.
“It’s important to know our roots, our identity and fully embrace that, it reduces the need to fit in.
“I wonder if the student association can work on this, embracing your culture, your identity and create forums where peers can share how they deal with pressure and develop peer support groups.”
