Young people facing challenges such as drug abuse, bullying, mental health struggles and peer pressure should remember that they are not alone and that their communities are there to support them.
This is the message from 19-year-old Elizabeth Daveta, who was crowned the first-ever pageant winner of the Immaculate Conception Parish Lami Bazaar last night.
Daveta, who represented the St Peter Chanel area, hopes to use her new platform to encourage young people to speak up about their struggles and seek support from those around them.
The first-year University of the South Pacific student, who is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management, believes young people have an important role to play in bringing positive change to their communities.
She hopes to lead by example and inspire other youths to use their voices to promote positivity and make a difference in society.
Daveta says winning the title was a great honour, especially as the pageant was introduced for the first time as part of this year's bazaar programme.
Originally from Lau, with maternal links to Kadavu, she says the experience gave her an opportunity to represent her St Peter Chanel community, share its faith and values, and build friendships with the other contestants.
She also acknowledged the support of her fellow contestants, community members and family, who stood by her throughout the competition.
The two-day Immaculate Conception Parish Lami Bazaar brought together the parish's five areas on Friday and Saturday, with local youths playing an active role in hosting the event.
The introduction of the pageant added a new highlight to this year's celebrations, alongside fun activities, music and entertainment that brought families and community members together.
The bazaar concluded on Saturday night in a lively atmosphere, celebrating community spirit, shared values and the talents of young people in Lami.
