The 2025 Fiji Youth Parliament today witnessed a strong call from the education sector for urgent government action to establish a National Youth Rehabilitation Programme aimed at tackling rising drug abuse and HIV infections among young people.
While moving the motion in the Mock Parliament sitting for the establishment of the program, Leader of the Opposition Manasa Navara called on Parliament to approve the establishment of the National Youth Rehabilitation Programme to support youth affected by drug and substance abuse and to promote awareness of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Navara highlighted alarming statistics, whereby from January to June 2024, Fiji recorded 552 new HIV cases — a 33 percent increase over the previous year — with 73 percent of infections among youth aged 15 to 29.
He says the statistics represent lives derailed, families broken, potential wasted, and the future of the nation at risk.
Navara says the proposed programme would feature a multi-disciplinary council overseeing the expansion of rehabilitation centres and regional satellite facilities, alongside skills development and reintegration support for rehabilitated youth.
While speaking in support of the motion, Assistant Minister for Education Elena Tuberi drew from her experience as a teacher in classrooms across Fiji.
She explained that many of the challenges our youth face are not found in textbooks, describing how students struggle silently with drug exposure, family pressures, and stigma related to HIV.
Tuberi emphasised that education must go beyond academics to nurture resilience, health awareness, and emotional safety.
She says this programme is not only a health initiative, it is also an education initiative.
She adds that, through counselling, skills training, and targeted outreach to schools and youth organisations, the programme seeks to create safe spaces where students can seek help without fear or judgement.
The Minister says that the initiative aims to equip young people with knowledge and practical alternatives to destructive lifestyles, ultimately preparing them for life and strengthening the education system.
She warned that failing to act risks losing a generation of talent to addiction and illness, while investing in rehabilitation is an investment in Fiji’s future.
