As Fiji faces increasing challenges with drugs, HIV and non-communicable diseases among young people, every child needs at least one responsible adult who believes in them, and this support is critical in shaping a child’s future.
Fiji National University Vice Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, highlighted this to fijivillage News, calling for urgent collective action.
Professor Nabobo-Baba says early childhood, particularly between the ages of zero and eight, is crucial for emotional and intellectual development.
She says a lack of support during this period can increase vulnerability later in life.
The Vice Chancellor is urging adults to take an active role in mentoring and supporting children, even if they are not their own.She adds that strong guidance and consistent care can reduce the likelihood of young people turning to drugs.
She also stresses the importance of spiritual grounding and values, saying both physical wellbeing and moral guidance are essential in building resilience among young people.
Professor Nabobo-Baba says while these issues are global, their impact is more significant in a small country like Fiji, where a smaller population amplifies the effects of challenges such as HIV.
She stresses that addressing these issues is not the responsibility of one sector alone, but requires a united effort from parents, schools, communities and the health sector.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Vugalei, Tailevu, Professor Nabobo-Baba says traditional village life once provided stronger social structures, healthier lifestyles and closer community support, which helped protect young people from many of today’s issues.
She adds that changes in lifestyle, including diet and social environments, have contributed to the rise in modern health and social problems.
Professor Nabobo-Baba emphasises that the solution lies in returning to basic values, with a strong focus on care, guidance and community responsibility.
Professor Nabobo-Baba credits her own success to the support and belief of her grandmother, stressing that consistent encouragement and care can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
Insert: credits her grandmother 5th April 26
She adds that if society works together to support children, many of the challenges facing young people can be reduced.
