Young boys at risk of drugs and negative influences are set to benefit from a new music initiative following a donation of musical instruments worth over $5,000 by the Communications Fiji Foundation.
The instruments were handed over to The Salvation Army for its Kauwai Youth Music Programme, which focuses on supporting at-risk boys through music education and mentorship.
The donation includes a Yamaha keyboard, Yamaha electric bass guitar with amplifier, and a Tama electric drum and cymbal kit.
CFL Founder and Chairperson William Parkinson says he was inspired to support the initiative after attending an Inspire Pacific alumni graduation last year, where he saw first-hand the work being done with young people.
Parkinson says CFL is committed to helping build skills and knowledge, particularly for young men, and will continue supporting programmes led by Ben Morrison and his team.
He stresses that supporting initiatives like the Salvation Army and the programme is critical in helping young men who are struggling or living in difficult environments.
Insert: Parkinson on young boy's 5th May
He says such initiatives are key to building young men in Fiji and helping them avoid challenges such as drug and substance abuse.
Parkinson also highlights that the Parkinson Pacific Foundation will fund an after-hours tutor for the boys over the next three years as part of a partnership with CFL, which has provided the instruments.
He says the aim is for the programme to continue growing and creating more opportunities for young people.
Kauwai Youth Restoration Services Salvation Army Manager Amani Waqetia stresses the instruments represent not just music, but opportunity, direction and hope for the young people involved.
Waqetia says many of the boys come from challenging backgrounds where they are exposed to drugs, alcohol and negative influences.
He says the programme provides an alternative pathway, helping them build discipline, focus and resilience while giving them a positive identity and sense of belonging.
Waqetia adds that instead of turning to harmful choices, the young people now have meaningful opportunities to develop skills and begin imagining a better future.
He also expressed his gratitude to CFL for its support, saying the partnership is an investment in the lives of young people and will help create a stronger future for them through the power of music.
