Miss Unique Marketing Pacific Potaisia Rokowailoa will use the 2026 Hibiscus Festival platform to advocate for greater focus on children’s upbringing and the people who influence them as they grow.
Speaking with fijivillage News, the 21-year-old, who hails from Noco, Rewa, with maternal links to Kocoma, Qamea, says parents cannot carry the responsibility of raising a child alone.
She says teachers, churches, neighbours and communities all have a role to play in guiding young people towards positive choices and away from issues such as drug abuse, unemployment and HIV/AIDS.
Rokowailoa says people often focus on children when they make mistakes, but fail to consider the influence of those around them.
She says everything begins at home, and parents need to spend quality time with their children, understand the challenges they face and guide them towards making positive decisions.
Rokowailoa says no child grows up in isolation, as teachers, neighbours, friends, churches and the wider community can all influence their development.
She believes strengthening this support system is important in addressing social issues affecting young people, including drug abuse, youth unemployment and HIV/AIDS.
Rokowailoa says her advocacy reflects her own upbringing, where different people played important roles at different stages of her life.
She says although her parents were strict, they guided and listened to her when she made poor decisions, rather than simply judging her.
Rokowailoa says her grandmother also taught her important cultural values, and after her grandmother passed away, her church community continued to provide guidance.
She says her experience showed her that when one person is unable to provide the guidance a child needs, others within the family or community can step in.
Rokowailoa says children who lack proper guidance can be easily influenced because they may not know how to respond when faced with difficult situations.
She believes every child has the potential to succeed, whether through pageantry, education, sport or another pathway.
Rokowailoa is calling on families and communities to work together to encourage, guide and support young people so they can make better choices and reach their full potential.
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Hibiscus-Festival
Rokowailoa calls for stronger family and community support for children
