Fiji rugby legend Waisale Serevi is calling on parents, especially fathers, to spend more time with their children and be role models as the country faces growing concerns over drugs, HIV and parental neglect.
Speaking on Fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Serevi says every parent and every leader has a role to play in addressing these issues before they become even more serious.
Serevi says he is very worried about the growing drug problem in Fiji, including the availability of hard drugs and the movement of drugs through the country.
He says drugs are now reaching different parts of Fiji, including maritime communities, and no part of the country should think it is spared from the problem.
Serevi also raised concerns about HIV, saying the issue affects both young and older people.
He referred to a case involving a two-month-old baby who, according to information he had received, was living with HIV and tuberculosis.
Serevi says he returned to Fiji after spending time in the United States because he wanted to do something about the issues affecting young people.
He says he has now been in Fiji for about 18 months and has used rugby and community programmes to reach young people.
Serevi says he has spoken to between 35,000 and 40,000 children during this time through churches, schools, rugby clubs and villages.
He says his programme is focused on motivating, encouraging and empowering children to set goals and believe that nothing is impossible with God.
Serevi says addressing these issues must start at home, with parents taking more time to talk to their children and understand what they are going through.
He says parents should sit together with their children, have family devotion, eat together and create an environment where children feel comfortable talking about their problems.
Serevi says this is particularly important for parents who have to work and may not always have enough time with their children.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by single mothers and fathers who have to work to provide for their families.
Serevi is also calling on men and fathers to take a more active role in their children's lives.
He says fathers should prioritise their families, be home when possible, especially during weekends, and use that time to talk to their children and explain what is happening in society.
He says fathers need to be role models and should not be afraid to ask their children questions and listen to their concerns.
Serevi says the responsibility does not only fall on parents.
He is calling on leaders at every level, including sports, the military, police, Parliament and villages, to stand up and look after the people around them.
He says Fiji needs to think about what kind of legacy it wants to leave for the next generation.
Serevi says he has a granddaughter and wants her to be able to come to Fiji in the future without having to worry about drugs, violence and other social problems.
He says if everyone takes responsibility for the people around them, Fiji can become one of the best places in the world.
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Serevi says the country cannot wait until these problems become worse over the next five to ten years and must take action now.
