From addiction to advocate: Ulaiasi Vuli becomes peer mentor in Tagane Mai Program

23-year-old Ulaiasi Vuli from Macuata has turned his life around after years of struggling with drug addiction.

Today, he serves as one of the peer mentors at the Inspire Pacific Village under the Tagane Mai Program, using his own journey to inspire young people facing similar challenges.

Vuli has shared this on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan, where he stated that he first began using marijuana while living in the village, mainly due to peer pressure and the influence of those around him.

He recalls that his addiction grew as a result of poor decision-making and a lack of proper guidance.

Vuli says his turning point came when he moved to Nausori after his uncle brought him over, and he realised he needed to leave drugs behind and start over.

Inspire Pacific Village Coordinator, Richard Dyer says that when Vuli first joined the program, he was still fresh off his decision to quit drugs, and some side effects were still noticeable.

Dyer says there were moments when Vuli would sit quietly and stare into the distance, and the team would step in to offer him support and affirmation.

Dyer adds that the transformation has been remarkable, and Vuli is now a changed person.

He adds through the Tagane Mai Program, Vuli is committed to helping others avoid the mistakes he once made and choose a healthier, more hopeful path.