Youths challenge Corruption!

By Herleen Emily
On the occasion of international Youths Day, the young people of ‘Youths for Integrity’ took up the challenge to fight against corruption and promote integrity. 

Youths for Integrity hosted an event at USP on Friday August 10, 2018 inviting young people from various backgrounds to share light on integrity.

The team also launched their poetry book ‘Na Dina Anthology’ written by some of the old members of the network. 

‘Na Dina’ means truth in the native Fijian language, it means the willingness of the heart to say and do what is right and reasonable.

Na Dina Anthology has 11 collections of original poems which empowers people to stand up for the virtues of trust, respect and honesty.

Some of the lines from the poem ‘The Reality’ really emotes the courage to stand up and voice against corruption. As it says,

“The time has come for us to make a change,

For us to make a difference,

The time has come for our stand

Let us not waste it.”

The poems are written in three languages that is I-taukei, Hindi and English.

The event was graced by the USP rugby players who shared their views on corruption, integrity and transparency.

The President of FNU Nabua campus, Jone Lovo said that ‘the event was really informative and educational as young people were sharing their views on issues that are sensitive yet crucial to speak about.’

Apart from launching the book, the team also celebrated the International Youths Day, as this year’s theme for the International Youth Day was Safe Spaces; young people present at the event highlighted some of the ways young people can create safe spaces in their communities.

“The theme for International Youth Day reflected the event on Saturday. Young people everywhere are networking with potential collaboration in sharing and creating awareness on Corruption such as the sporting bodies,” said Jofiliti Veikoso the Project Officer of Save the Children, Western Division.

“He further mentioned that, ‘It would be great to bring International National Youth Day again as a public holiday so that there is more visibility of young people and their contribution to society.”

By: Herleen Emily