Sunday 27 August 2017

Canada Funded Ciivic Leadership Training


The Canada Fund For Local initiative has provided a grant to YOUTHS FOR INTEGRITY to run a series of workshops / training activities on the theme of "Championing accountable governance, democracy & peaceful pluralism, through Youth Civic Leadership Training.”
The goals of the leadership workshops are listed as follows:
Goal 1 aims to highlights the role of civil society / youths in using democratic processes to account for transparent and accountable governance processes.
Goal 2: The second goal is to inculcate intercultural interaction to enable participants to look beyond ethnic barriers and to engage with each other irrespective of race, colour or creed.
Workshops are planned as follows"
Workshop 1: Tuesday August 29 at Ministry of Youth and Sports, VB Complex, Suva
Workshop 2: Thursday and Friday August 31st and September 1st, 2017. (8.30am to 4.00pm daily) Rogorogoivuda Conference Room Lautoka City
Outreaches are also planned at
Vakatora Housing
Navutu Settlement
Kashmir/Tavakubu
Lautoka District Youth Council
Other workshops are planned at Coral Coast Christian Camp and Dokainasuva.
Our Tool Kit cover is shown below. (Sorry I do not know how to download the pdf file so you can download!)
 This Tool Kit is based on the model that passion, perseverance, focus, integrity, ambition, drive and positive attitude are important aspects of youth democratic leadership development.
The Tool Kit inculcates the principles of shared common values and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of each other’s cultures.
Through the Tool Kit, we would like all young people in Fiji to develop their full potential.
We believe that informed, active and skilled young people will contribute to their personal development and the socio-economic prosperity and harmony of Fiji.



Friday 18 August 2017

Jofiliti Veikoso ' A Youth Leader For All Seasons

I first met Jofiliti Veikoso in 2015 at the National Youth Conference. He had made a name for himself as a fitness instructor, an entertainer and a youth training facilitator. He had a talent for making people do physical activities in a fun way with music, dance and exercise. In Fiji which has very high incidence of non communicable diseases, especially amongst youths, this is a more effective strategy, ie to encourage the public to be engaged in physical activities in all that they do. This can be through eating less fatty foods & drinking no fizzy drinks and people can have home gardens in their backyards. Instead of getting on a vehicle, people can walk for short distances!
Too often we run workshops where people sit all day listening to presentations on good health when what they should be doing is being engaged in physical activity. Jofiliti provides a shining example of this. "Even when they are going to the shop to buy the papers and bread in the morning they should consider walking rather than taking their cars!"
Jofiliti played an active role as a training facilitator for Youths For Integrity in 2016 and his message of good health through adopting healthy habits of physical activities, balanced meals and holistic living has caught on amongst many youths.

Jofiliti is becoming a national icon on fitness with a bill board past Sigatoka Town, touting the importance of healthy living. He also has a solid reputation as a very creative Zumba instructor

Jofiliti has worked in a volunteer capacity with the LGBTIQ community at the grassroots level. He is also a member of the Rainbow Pride Foundation. He believes that the public should respect people irrespective of their sexuality. "We should be judged on merit in what we do."

He has been a fixture of many workshops and programs run by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He also volunteers for the NGOs Youths For Integrity and Youth Champs for Mental Health.

Jofiliti currently studies at USP Lautoka doing LLB and upon completion of his studies, he hopes to uphold the rights of LGBTIQ people in Fiji.

He argues that all young people go through a self journey searching for their identities.

He is concerned that there is often a fixation in Fiji for people's sexuality in social circles and this can affect creativity, work outputs and our perceptions.

His point is "why can't people respect that other people are different and treat them as human beings based on their merits rather than being preoccupied with their gender identity or sexuality?"

Thursday 17 August 2017

Our rich cultural blend 2: Niko Rabuku

For this week's article, I have chosen to write about a youth of mixed ancestry. Niko Rabuku from Suva is part iTaukei and part Rotuman. (This story and that of Steven Shivneshwar originally appeared in the Fiji Times. It is published as 2 separate pieces on this blog.)
A nationwide survey conducted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the Central, Western and Northern divisions in October 2015 noted that Fiji's youths lead fulsome social lives and are increasingly interacting across ethnic and religious lines. It is now common for young people of different ethnic groups and faiths to socialise together. One training retreat I was invited to had Muslim, Hindu and Christian teenagers working, learning, eating and being accommodated together.
The survey found that 90 per cent of youths speak more than one language. A large number 91 per cent had mobile phones. Seventy-two per cent had mobile phones with internet connections, 83 per cent had Facebook accounts and 38 per cent had Twitter accounts.
Niko Rabuku said he had never faced discrimination of any kind on account of his mixed ancestry. He saw his inter-racial background as a positive point.
Niko's mum is Rotuman and his dad is an iTaukei from Raralevu Village in Tailevu. I first met him at a home for abandoned children. He was looking emotionally distraught as he held an 18-month-old toddler of mixed ancestry who had been abandoned. It had been a deeply emotional experience and he confided that he had wanted his parents to adopt the child. (That will now not happen as the child will eventually be adopted by close relatives).
Niko admits that one of the positive points of having mixed ancestry is that he can connect socially at a personal level especially with his maternal links. In Rotuman culture, mothers and their children have a cherished place. Niko understands basic Rotuman words and is really trying hard to learn the language.
Niko volunteered for Lifeline, an organisation that works in the area of suicide prevention and counseling. (He has recently found employment with a mobile phone company.)
His experiences at Lifeline have shown him that depression can strike people irrespective of their ethnicity, colour or faith. His background and training has given him an affirming attitude in helping people both young and old to lift themselves up from depressing situations to lead affirmed lives.
I asked Niko if he would prefer a Rotuman or iTaukei girlfriend. He told me politely that if he had a girlfriend, his choice would be based on love rather than ethnicity!
Fiji is a multicultural nation and our Constitution provides an affirming framework to enable better synergies between the different ethnic groups, especially our young people, to work together as one in developing a prosperous nation.

Our rich cultural blend: Steven Shivneshwar

Fiji's culture has often been described as a tapestry of indigenous iTaukei, Indian, European, Chinese, and other nationalities. The multicultural blend has created a unique communal and national identity. People of different ethnic groups get along well at workplaces, shops and markets, and in educational and recreational settings.

For this week's article, I have chosen to write about two youths of mixed ancestry. Steven Shivneshwar from Sigatoka is part iTaukei and part Fijian of Indian descent. Niko Rabuku from Suva is part iTaukei and part Rotuman. I felt it would be interesting to gain insights into the experiences of youths of mixed ancestry.
Cabinet at its meeting on June 30, 2010 approved the Fijian Affairs Decree 2010 replacing the word "Fijian" with the word "iTaukei" in all written laws, and all official documentation when referring to the original and native settlers of Fiji. All Fiji citizens are now called "Fijians".
There is no recent data on inter-racial marriages although the 2006 census noted that Fiji citizens who were not part of the two major ethnic groups made up 4.5 per cent of our population. While interracial marriages are not frowned upon, anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of such unions is still relatively small. In addition, many Fijians of mixed ancestry identify themselves with one of the two major ethic groups.
A nationwide survey conducted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the Central, Western and Northern divisions in October 2015 noted that Fiji's youths lead fulsome social lives and are increasingly interacting across ethnic and religious lines. It is now common for young people of different ethnic groups and faiths to socialise together. One training retreat I was invited to had Muslim, Hindu and Christian teenagers working, learning, eating and being accommodated together.
The survey found that 90 per cent of youths speak more than one language. A large number 91 per cent had mobile phones. Seventy-two per cent had mobile phones with internet connections, 83 per cent had Facebook accounts and 38 per cent had Twitter accounts.
Both Steven Shivneshwar and Niko Rabuku said they had never faced discrimination of any kind on account of their mixed ancestry. Both saw their inter-racial background as a a positive point.
I had met Steven on a forest hike and we had both struggled to keep pace while the rest of the group literally ran through the forest like Olympic sprinters. A group of thoughtful Dokanaisuva youths seeing us stumbling like dazed zombies had sung hymns and that had made the walk bearable.
Steven, 19, who studied at Cuvu College is studying geography and land management at USP. His dad is of Indian descent and comes from Malaqereqere, Sigatoka. His mum whom he adores is of iTaukei and Chinese descent.
In a heartwarming Facebook post he wrote "mum s my bank where I deposit all my joy, hurts and worries".
Steven is proud of his heritage and says that when he speaks fluent Fiji Hindi, people are usually pleasantly surprised. Although he has iTaukei features, there are no raised eyebrows when he speaks it fluently.
Steven is concentrating on his studies and says that he has not thought about having a girlfriend at this point in his life. When he does, he will pray about it first. Given the advantages of a mixed ancestry, he joked that he might consider having a hybrid girlfriend.
In between studies, he volunteers for self-help causes. His parting words: "Fiji is doing very well in economic indicators and I'd like to make a contribution to enlarging the space on social and cultural indicators as they would also contribute to a high quality of life."

Wednesday 16 August 2017

Noa’s Tropical Paradise: Tawake Village, Cakaudrove


Tawake Village, Cakaudrove: Noa’s Tropical Paradise

Most mornings when Noa Tamaitauni Dawaibalavu wakes up from his village of Tawake in Cakaudrove Province he looks out at the rising sun and is filled with deep pride that warms his heart. He tries not to sound sentimental but he feels passionately that his tropical village paradise gives meaning to his existence and his devotion to his Christian faith.

The beauty of Tawake village was articulated by Ricky Kresslein a US Peace Corp Volunteer who describes it in his blog as being “located on the northernmost tip of Vanua Levu, The sea (around it) is a range of colors from green to blue, and one can watch the fish and coral (in its pristine condition). On the other side of Tawake are the islands of Rabi and Taveuni. The rocky cliffs surrounding the village are covered in coconut palms, mangroves, and sapphire water. My bure sits about three paces from the sand. I fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the waves breaking on the shore each day. I can sit and have my coffee and watch the sunrise, listen to the ocean, and glimpse the clouds move over the distant islands.”

Noa’s greatest nightmare is that his beautiful village might succumb to the adverse effects of climate change and be covered by the sea. He shudders at the thought of relocation. There are no visible signs yet that this will ever happen. However Noa knows that prevention is better than cure. He has seen the effects of climate change on another village in Cakaudrove where seawater has come on land and killed off the food gardens so that even the old breadfruit trees look like stunted zombies with fruits looking dark and sickly like the harvest after a nuclear holocaust.

As Noa walks on the white sandy beach, he whips out his mobile phone and posts his pictures on Facebook. One heartfelt post reads, “Here you'll find the place I love the most in the world. This is the place where I grew too slim from dreaming. My village, rising from the plains, shaded with trees is like a piggy bank filled with my fond memories. Come to my village and you’ll understand why anyone would want to live here forever. Whether it’s dawn, mid-day or night time, it’s all the same, except for the changes in the way the breeze blows. The air changes the color of things but life whirs by as quiet as a murmur...the pure murmuring of life.”

One of his 504 Facebook friends makes a humorously sarcastic comment, “My! we are quite sentimental this morning. Are you walking alone? Lol.” Noa refusing to spoil this exquisite moment replies, “’ I wake up at dawn with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen (emojis added) and I realise that opportunities will knock on my door every morning. But if you keep sleeping they will simply pass you by. Good morning!" The friend who texted him realises that he has to get out of bed (where he has been texting) and get ready to face the world too!. 


I met Noa earlier this year at a Canada Funded Civic Leadership Workshop at the Coral Coast and he was usually on the beach early in the morning walking or running. He liked it that I also came from the North and when he found out that my village was near Nabalebale he couldn’t resist saying, “Dr V you look so law abiding!.” I reasoned that not everyone had supported Speight in 2000!

Youth leader Miliana Iga describes Noa as being a dedicated youth worker active in the Fiji Red Cross Labasa and at the USP Labasa Campus Students body where he is also active in the rugby club. ”For a young guy, he has been able to balance studies, his passion for youth work and advocacy.”

Noa welcomes the 10 cents levy on plastic bags and the removal of import duty of 32 per cent on vinyl sheet piling used for the construction of seawalls to support communities that are vulnerable to rising sea levels and flooding.
However he feels that more can be done especially by young people to drastically reduce pollution.
“We youths can do more by our positive action to make our environment clean and we can use social media to spread the word on having a clean environment that is next to Godliness.”Traditional Fijian bure where I live.


A space for LGBTIQ youths

Increasingly now, the term LGBTIQ is used to also refer to Intersex individuals and those who dentify as queer or are questioning their sexual identityBefore relating the stories of two youths, Agu nd Jofiliti who identify as being part of the LGBTIQ community, I will explain the terms and Fiji's stand on gay sexuality


The first letter of LGBTIQ is L and refers to lesbian, a term used to describe women attracted romantically, erotically, and/or emotionally to other women. G for gay is used to describe individuals who are primarily emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to members of the same sex and/or gender. B for bisexual refers to individuals who are emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to male/men and females/women. T for transgender is a generic term covering a range of identities that go beyond socially defined gender norms. It also refers to individuals who live as members of a gender other than that which is based on sex assigned at birth. Intersex refers to an individual whose combination of chromosomes, gonads, hormones, internal sex organs, and genitals are different from the two expected patterns of male or female. Q stands for queer or questioning and refers to individual who are not sure about or are exploring their own sexual orientation or gender identity.

Constitutional protection
The Fiji Constitution which was promulgated in 2013 bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The Employment Relations Promulgation 2007 bans discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation. The anti-hate speech law bans references to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Many Christians in Fiji see gay sexuality and transgender lifestyles in a negative light. To be fair there are also many Christians and citizens of other faiths who are tolerant of gay people. However, the reality is that conservative perceptions of gay sexuality as sinful actions often result in transgender people being subjected to aggressive behavior.
A scrutiny of trip advisor posts on Fiji generally showed that gay people had pleasant experiences and there were no recorded displays of homophobia in the posts that I read. There were of course the invariable question from small resorts if guests were brothers or sisters (if they shared a bed) but in large resorts being gay was not an issue at all.

Jofiliti
I first met Jofiliti Veikoso, the first youth I interviewed for this article in 2015 at the National Youth Conference. He had made a name for himself as a fitness instructor, an entertainer and a youth training facilitator.
Jofiliti has worked in a volunteer capacity with the LGBTIQ community at the grassroots level. He is also a member of the Rainbow Pride Foundation.
He has been a fixture of many workshops and programs run by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He also volunteers for the NGOs Youths For Integrity and Youth Champs for Mental Health.
Jofiliti currently studies at USP Lautoka doing LLB and upon completion of his studies, he hopes to uphold the rights of LGBTIQ people in Fiji. He argues that all young people go through a self journey searching for their identities. He is concerned that there is often a fixation in Fiji for people's sexuality in social circles and this can affect creativity, work outputs and our perceptions. His point is "why can't people respect that other people are different and treat them as human beings based on their merits rather than being preoccupied with their gender identity or sexuality?"


Agu
The second youth I interviewed was Agu, 27. I first met her during the Cyclone Winston relief and rehabilitation work as she had worked tirelessly as a volunteer. Agu identifies as a transgender woman. They prefer that the feminine pronoun is used. Unlike the stories we sometimes hear of individuals who said they adopted a gay lifestyle because of a traumatic upbringing, this was not the case with Agu.
Although her parents had separated, she had a happy childhood and there were no cases of abuse of any kind in her upbringing. Agu said she grew up feeling that she was in the wrong gender. She loved to dance and found she was attracted to feminine moves. She was raised among family, friends and neighbours who were nonjudgmental of her sexuality. This strong kinship bond helped Agu face the trials of daily life.
Agu also joined the NGO called Pacific Rainbow Advocacy Network as a volunteer after she left school in 2008. Currently she volunteers for the Fiji Red Cross Lautoka branch and the Youth

Champs For Mental Health.
She admits that she gets many looks of disgust and derogatory words are hurled at her. She has conditioned herself to be positive and the vile words from the public has given her strength to love those who hate her and never to retaliate with hateful words
Agu hit the limelight in 2015 when she was first crowned Miss Farmers Priscilla and then later crowned Adi Senikau. Agu received praise for her voluntary and community work during the period of her Adi Senikau reign.
"You must have had a lot of admirers after you were crowned?" I asked. She admitted that there were too many who wanted a relationship but that she declined them as she felt that she is a role model who sets a good positive example to all youths to respect themselves and strive for higher ideals..

Conclusion
Research on gay issues is a neglected area. Apart from Dr Miliakere Kaitani's landmark study for the Australian National University on Fijian men in urban Suva and safe sex issues, there is no other major study that I can recall. A new national 2017 survey expects to ask questions on sexuality and social relationships.

Monday 14 August 2017

Youths bank on faith: The Story of Zek Maqbool and Keith W Rasova

Editors note: We are reprinting the story of Zek Maqbool and Keith Waibuta Rasova. The piece first appeared in the Fiji Times. It has been a blessing for all of us to have youths who inspire us through their devotion to their Faith. Zek has been actively involved in our programs and has impressed us with her dedication. Keith is someone that we are truly blessed to have given his spiritual and affirming nature.

IT is insightful that in a survey conducted in the Central, Western and Northern divisions in October 2015, 89 per cent of youths stated that they were members of religious youth groups. All of the respondents stated that they were active in their faiths.
This week I interviewed Zakiya (Zek) Zeba Maqbool, a young Muslim woman and Keith Waibuta Rasova, a Christian youth.
Many young people in Fiji are actively involved in their Christian, Hindu and Islamic faiths.
They usually are very humble and rarely draw attention to themselves. While youths who get into trouble with the law or are involved in anti-social activities tend to swamp the headlines, it is the silent majority of hardworking, law abiding humble youths who give Fiji its moral character.
These enduring youths of different faiths lead fulsome social lives. While we, Christians, receive our salvation through the risen Christ, we must respect that we can coexist peacefully with other faiths whose spiritual paths are different. This augers well in a multicultural Fiji where interpersonal interactions with different ethnic groups enable a harmonious environment to be created.


Zek Maqbool
I first met Zek during the Mt Korobaba hike. Like all Muslim, Hindu and Christian youths I know, Zek gets along well with youths of different ethnicity and faiths.
"I do not judge others on the basis of their religion, financial status or their gender. In a multicultural country like Fiji, we all have to live and work together peacefully so we should not discriminate," she said.
She has been to iTaukei villages as part of her studies for Lifeline Fiji work and she has been overwhelmed by their hospitality.
"They have treated me as their own and this is something I cherish."
Zek believes that her Islamic faith has strengthened her character.
"Allah (God) watches over me and supports me in my life's journey with its challenges and achievements. Whenever I fall short of my goals, I think about all those who have nothing in hand but God on their side — that is when I strive to achieve my goals again."
For the benefit of readers, I provide the following background information. Muslims believe that Islam is the original, complete and universal version of a faith that was revealed many times before through prophets.
As for the Quran, Muslims consider it to be the unaltered and final revelation of God. Religious concepts and practices include the five pillars of Islam, which are obligatory acts of worship, and following Islamic law, which touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, from banking and welfare to women and the environment.
Certain religious rites and customs are observed by the Muslims in their family and social life, while social responsibilities to parents, relatives, and neighbors have also been defined. The Quran and the sunnah of Muhammad prescribe a comprehensive body of moral guidelines for Muslims to be followed in their personal, social, political, and religious life.
Zek, who attended Rishikul Sanatan and Nasinu Muslim College, has a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology and is undertaking mental health studies with APTC. She works as a volunteer for Lifeline Fiji, an NGO that provides counselling services to the public. Part of her work involves receiving calls from individuals requiring assistance.
After volunteers, such as Zek, receive calls they provide information and practical help or referrals. She listens carefully so she can understand the caller's issue(s) giving her undivided attention to bottled up emotions that are being articulated. Her demeanor is non-judgmental.
When a caller expresses suicidal tendencies, Zek, as a crisis intervention worker immediately has to ascertain the caller's safety before engaging in normal suicide intervention counseling process.
She has to calm the person by empathising with her or his situation. Zek feels strongly that her faith is a strong influence in helping her deal with people who are going through personal challenges. In the depths of despair that she witnesses in others, she draws on her faith for spiritual guidance in getting callers to feel affirmed that there is light at the end of the dark tunnel of the depressed mind.
Zek's future plan is to find a career in the social counseling and mental health services.

Keith Waibuta Rasova
The first time I met Keith Waibuta Rasova, I asked if he worked in the hospitality sector. He was so polite and gave off positive vibes. He cackled and said he was actively involved in Christian groups such as Scripture Union Fiji, Student Campus Life and Pacific Students for Christ.
He conceded that he was studying for a bacherlor of commerce degree at USP majoring in hotel management where customer service was important.
He had been involved in Christian youth activities as a high school student first in Votualevu College and later at RKS where positive interpersonal communication skills were important in witnessing to the great things that the Lord had done in his life.
He said he became a volunteer for Scripture Union in Schools because it motivated and "moulded me spiritually to grow more in God's Word; allowing me to reach out to young people in sharing the light of God's Word".
While most young people he interacted with lead well-adjusted social lives, he admits that he does interact with some who are depressed and seem to have no meaning to their lives.
"I must be ready in and out of season with His Word in order to encourage those who feel despair. When I interact with them, I make them feel comfortable in sharing their issues with me. Then I encourage them that suicide should never be an option and that life has more good things to offer if they keep on pressing on.
"John 10:10 says the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Keith admits that he grew up in a community that rotated around violence, alcohol and drug abuse and as a Christian growing up in those circumstances his faith was challenged.
However, he remained steadfast that God is sovereign and that he could do all things through Christ who strengthens him.
"I was someone who yearned to belong in my community and being pushed aside has encouraged me to have a personal encounter with God who is full of compassion."
Keith quoted from Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will."
His advice to young people is to "pursue God in everything that you do in every aspect of your life and continue to put your trust despite the challenges you face because trust me! He will not fail you".
While Keith works towards his BCom at USP, he plans to continue "to live a life that is centred in Christ and put my faith and trust in God."

Sunday 13 August 2017

William Pau'u: Living by Example


William Pau'u: Living by Example

William Pau’u, 20, is the enthusiastic face that greets viewers in the Fiji National University ad appearing in Cinemas and TV. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery. Although William is active on social media, he is not a couch potato and leads a fulsome life of studies, leisure sports, participation in Christian youth programs and he often still has the energy to socialize in the evenings with friends. William grew up in Sigatoka and his sound Christian upbringing has helped him deal with the trials of living in a large city like Suva which is very fast paced. He attended the Sigatoka Methodist Primary School and later Natabua High School in Lautoka.


While still in high school and later at FNU he developed a keen interest in  Christian fellowship activities through the Scripture Union in Schools (SUIS) group. Mellissa Olivia who worked closely with William had this to say, “He is a role model to so many young people because of his character and how he overcomes all obstacles that come his way through prayer. He is funny and can be sarcastic at times. He has worked hard to get to where he is right now. William is always ready to help whenever you ask.” Keith Waibuta Rasova a SUIS volunteer describes William “as a great person, knowing that throughout all his struggles and life God still remains in control.”

William also champions primary health for people especially youths. He feel we should be eating balanced meals and exercising regularly to reduce incidences of non communicable diseases. William agrees with the Director of the National Wellness Centre Doctor Isimeli Tukana who said that parents should break the “taboo” on sex discussions in their home  so that young people can better understand the topic and make the right decisions. He agrees that teenage pregnancies is an issue and and that parental counselling is important in dealing with their children’s relationships. William concedes with Dr Tukana’s points that some parents in Fiji swear at their children, say emotionally hurtful words and do not lead by example as they smoke or drink in front of their children. William feels that there is a role for medical students and young leaders to provide community education on healthy living habits. Churches can also help in parental education on appropriate child rearing methods.


“How we are brought up is important and throughout our lives we should be guided by our faiths. We are just human and make mistakes but with God guiding us, we can accomplish so much in life.”

Review of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets



I enjoyed watching Valerian. Science fiction and movies with social themes does not usually generate much interest with Fiji moviegoers. They tend to patronise films with lots of aggressive actions and neurotic characters abusing each other verbally. My daughter politely but firmly declines going to sci fi movies with me because she says they look so unreal and she has difficulty enjoying herself. On the few occasions, I have taken nephews and nieces, they have spent most of their time on their phones and less time watching the screen. Valerian has all the ingredients of a blockbuster hit. So far, the film has earned $36.1 million in the US and globally it has made $65.6 million on a $177.2 million budget. That is a poor showing and it needs to pick up in the next week or two to avoid posting a box office loss.
I say that the film has the ingredients of a hit because there is a tempestuous romantic relationship between Valerian and Laureline. There are lots of deliciously grotesque villains and the action is nail biting. It also has a highly creative story line and well developed characters.

The film unfortunately has some flaws some of which are not of its making. Most of us are so used to Hollywood action romance films where the action is gritty and the main actors display a passionate friskiness or edginess. In Valerian, there are no passionate moments to endear audiences too. Whenever the tender moments come, Valerian and Laureline try to get it over as soon as possible with a peck on the cheek or a quick kiss on their upper lips. For a French based movie, they are unusually restrained with not a French kiss in sight. Perhaps they were trying to avoid a PG film rating or they were sensitive to viewers like me who have been ‘born again’ and must guard against temptations of the flesh in dark cinemas.

DeHaan’s acting is breezy as if he’s playing his character for laughs. You get the feeling that the film directors decided to do away with the Hollywood stereotype of the muscular hero. When DeHaan takes off his shirt, one gets the feeling that he loves fast foods and fizzy drinks when he’s not acting. Cara Delevingne tries too hard to be gritty but without the passion it falls flat. I am not sure whether it has to do with the way the film is shot but some of the angle shots gives her a decidedly flaring nose and the glazed eyes of an untamed wild cat. Perhaps the most exciting talent in this movie is Rihanna acting as the shapeshifting dancer, Bubble who helps Valerian rescue Laureline from a primitive tribe before she dies of a mortal wound, She encourages Valerian to woo Laureline as she has many enduring qualities.


Fijians and Pacific islanders will be intrigued with the story line which centres around genocide in the Planet Mul and the cover up by General Filitt that Laureline and Valerian uncover. We are told that in Planet Mül, a humanoid race had lived peacefully in their paradise in harmony with nature. They fished for pearls containing enormous amounts of energy, and used small animals to replicate them. Their planet was deliberately destroyed in the cross fire of two warring sides. General Filitt refers to the Muls as ‘savages.’ The people of Mul remind me of Jean-Jacques Rousseau notion of the 'Noble Savage' born with the potential for goodness. They had an "innate repugnance to see others of their kind suffer".

The Muls try to replicate their paradise on a space ship that will sail in eternal bliss in the universe. Valerian and Laureline provide them with the energy-giving pearl and a converter to enable them to escape from Alpha. The due go off to their own paradise after they admit their undying love for each other.

I know that 30 years ago Pacific academics would be offended about Europeans perpetuating the myth of the ‘noble savage’. But times have changed and it’s really cool to know that the Muls were wise, forgiving and lived in blissful harmony with nature. In these challenging times of high NCDs and pollution, it would be good to look back at our traditional wisdom to find affirmation in reducing our carbon footprints and emissions, it is really affirming to be reminded that like the Muls, we too can take action to reduce pollution and live in harmony with nature.
The trick now is to get Fijians who admittedly can't stand science fiction movies to make an exception. Go and see Valerian if only to feel inspired to take action on having healthy lifestyles and protecting our environment. And if in the unlikely situation, something ghastly was done to you, please be as forgiving as the people of Planet Mul.

Thursday 10 August 2017

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP   
Report by Avikesh Kumar

YOUTHS FOR INTEGRITY ran a successful leadership training workshop at the Ministry of Youth and Sports VB Complex Conference Room on Thursday July 27, 2017

Through this peer leadership workshop participants were trained in the competencies of reaching out to their specific target groups through social media networks and outreaches to spread the message of integrity and anti corruption.
YFI Planning Workshop at Dokainasuva
Report filed by Miliana Iga

The YFI planning meeting on August 4, 2017 was awesome. '

Lovely discussions reviving YFI and revamping our group brand!

Kudos to YFI leaders Jay B Tokoni, Avikesh Kumar, Broderick Mervyn, Steven Shivneshwar, Joeli Billy Fahai'ono, Keith Waibuta Rasova and the Teens for Integrity members Oli and Sera😘😘😘

Much love to Jone Siqila for the hospitality and lovely dinner...the roti was too good, and the chicken curry was just perfect👌 Lest I forget Hilda Tauma'oe Vukikomoala of PYFAC who joined us despite her busy schedule, she organises chess tournaments for Fiji Chess and is a regional youth ambassador with Pacific Youth Council. 

Alas!!! The macho himself none other then the infamous NewYork Bestseller Joseph Veramu.. May you Live Long😂😂😂😂😂


Great vibes and positive energy heading into the final quarter of 2017...better a late starter then a non-starter
🙋🙋🙋
#NewFrontiers




Grant from Canada Fund for Local Initiative
Formally announcing that Youths For Integrity has received a grant of FJ$28,000 on

Championing accountable governance, democracy & peaceful pluralism, through Youth Civic Leadership Training .
YFI participants pictured at a leadership workshop

Mr J Veramu said that, "We have contextualised our project to the UN Global Youth Development Index Report for Fiji released in October 2016 and the provision that Fiji requires educational interventions especially for its young leaders both in urban and rural areas. We are proposing a series of peer education leadership training workshops in the 3 major divisions of Fiji around the theme of “Championing accountable governance, democracy & peaceful pluralism, through Youth Civic Leadership Training.”

Fiji’s rating in the 2016 Global Youth Development Index has increased by 0.08 to 0.60 from the 0.52 Index recorded in 2013. The Global Youth Development Index ranks 183 countries according to the prospects of young people in employment, education, health, civic and political spheres. Fiji performed well in the education index recording a measurement of 0.7222 reflecting a ranking of 106 out of 183 countries and 25 out of 49 Commonwealth states 

In this proposal we propose a holistic peer leadership training program building on our previous training. We feel that this approach will provide an effective means through which young people can reach out to other youths to develop personal competencies especially on articulating their views, interacting harmoniously in multicultural settings and promoting democratic processes.
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/new_zealand-nouvelle_zelande/development-developpement/CFLI-FCIL.aspx?lang=eng

Youths for Integrity ran a leadership workshop at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in VB Complex on Tuesday August 8. Certificates were presented by MYS Sports Officer Sitiveni Rokoro

Wednesday 9 August 2017

Strength in Diversity : Julian's Story



Julian Joseph
Julian Joseph sometimes likes to lie leisurely on a concrete seawall barrier and gaze out into the world. He looks out into the placid sea, the passersby and his immediate surroundings. He realizes that we are so blessed to live in such a beautiful country but there is also a curse as we pollute our environment. The endless stream of people of all ages and ethnicity who come to unwind also throw rubbish carelessly often without a second thought. The parks by Suva’s foreshore are littered with an array of rubbish from people consuming fast foods.

The City Council does it part daily to clean the mess. Sometimes volunteers carry out clean up campaigns but immediately after they have done their good deeds, the rubbish throwers come back and it reverts to its original polluted condition. Government has done its part through the plastic levy and the anti-litter legislation but the public has to do its part too. The strange thing, Julian notices is that the litterers are educated, well-to-do people who come in their flashy cars. Even if they are prayer groups speaking in the language of tongues or young lovers communicating in the language of romance, the story is the same the moment they take breaks to eat something. The food wrappings get thrown carelessly.  

As Julian looks out into the world (from where he lies leisurely) he feels a sense of regret as the pungent smell wafts from the rubbish. The wind blows the myriads of empty foods packages into the mangroves and the rustling sound of shaking leaves and flying plastic is like the faint cries of a vuvuzela trying to be celebratory but coming off as mournful.  He notices that some of the rubbish throwers look at him with contempt hoping he would fade away. Their reflections on the rubbish covered puddles of water in pot holes near Julian give them gargoyle like images. It makes them look obscene amongst the clutter of rubbish. Julian, 26, is gay and very comfortable in his own skin to discuss the trials of his young life.

He appeared in the short video that came on TV and cinemas titled, “Accept Us For Who We Are.” This videowas released by the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to mark International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The video was aimed at raising awareness about inclusivity of the members of the LGBTIQ community. Julian was happy he could be part of a public education campaign especially targeting adults and parents to accept their children irrespective of their sexual orientation. “I was a bit nervous but spoke from the heart since it’s for a good public education cause.”

Julian admitted that members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer (LGBTIQ) community came under various forms of discrimination. The public needed to accept diversity and respect everyone, irrespective of who they were. Jofiliti Veikoso a gay rights advocate said that the LGBTIQ community “thanks the Government for the recognition of SOGIE (Sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions) in our constitution that governs our nation. However, the people of Fiji need to be open minded and accept people of diverse sexuality.”

On Julian’s appearance in the video, youth leader Miliana Iga noted that, "the rest of us draw inspiration from your campaign in the fight against discrimination.”

Julian reminisces; “I realised I was different when I was a child. Throughout my life, the story has been of relatives and everyone trying to change me. I get so many negative comments and many people give me looks as if I am garbage.” He said that one of the reasons why he has posted creative images of himself on his Facebook timeline is to let people know he is gay. He has accepted his sexuality and wants understanding from everyone else. He admits that everything is fine when he meets people but the moment they find out he is gay their whole attitude changes as if they are in the presence of a polluted creation.

Julian has worked at a hotel in Taveuni, in a cinema and a fish and chips shop. He is also a peer educator on HIV-AIDs. He is looking to doing further studies to get a steady job and save money for the future. He has attended leadership workshops conducted by the Youths For Integrity network and other NGOs.

As Julian looks out to his surroundings, he hopes that people will change and not litter carelessly. He also hopes that people’s attitudes to the gay community will also change. He has a boyfriend and Julian regrets that he (boyfriend) wants to keep their relationship a secret. The sound of the waves pounding the Nasoata reef in the distance reminds Julian of their robust love. Julian wants a warm open relationship and not a secretive one hidden from the public. “I don’t know. He may be confused or perhaps the pressure of people giving hateful looks affects him. I want this to change. What’s wrong with walking the streets of Suva holding his hand? It should be cool.”

Julian gets up from the concrete seawall where he has been thinking about his life and his environment and walks resolutely to the bus stand. Change to stop pollution or attitudes on sexuality must come from within people’s hearts. Public education will help. As he walks he thinks that he has a young fruitful life ahead of him which has to be lived.
Life has to go on whether people’s attitudes change or not!


Joseph Veramu is a policy analyst consultant. 
He can be contacted on joseph.veramu@outlook.com or FaceBook 


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