Youths can pursue a career in counseling where they can provide support to young people who may be facing social, emotional or personal challenges as the Ministry for Youth and Sports are strengthening its Pacific Australia Skills Programme.
While responding to the President’s address in Parliament this morning, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Aliki Bia says through this collaboration, the programme is supporting the development of counselling training programmes for youth officers across the region.
He stressed that these programmes aim to equip youth officers with specialised skills that will allow them to better support young people who may be facing social, emotional or personal challenges.
Insert: Bia on counselling programmes, 9th Mar 26
The Assistant Minister also welcomed the launch of the Drug-Free Sport Fiji logo during the National Sports Conference held last Saturday which marks an important step in promoting integrity, fairness and accountability within Fiji's sporting system.
Bia says the establishment of Drug-Free Sport Fiji demonstrates our national commitment to protecting the well-being of athletes and ensuring that Fiji's sporting achievements are built on discipline, respect for the rule of competition and adherence to international anti-doping standards.
He says the conference brought together stakeholders from across the sports sector, including the Fiji Sports Council, the Fiji National Sports Commission, National Sporting Federations, coaches, administrators and community representatives.
He adds that it provided an important platform to reflect on the direction of sports development in the country and to strengthen coordination among organisations responsible for the nurturing of our athletes.
The Assistance Minister says one of the key messages that emerged from the conference was the importance of stronger collaboration across the sports ecosystem.
Insert: Bia on support athletes, 9th Mar 26
The Minister highlighted that the Ministry continues to support the development of sports infrastructure in communities that have historically had limited access to facilities.
He says they are commencing this month is the development of a multi-purpose hardcourt facility in Rotuma, together with plans for the establishment of a community sports ground as part of ongoing sports development efforts in the island.
He adds that for communities such as Rotuma, sports facilities play a vital role in encouraging youth participation, promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening social cohesion and creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents.
Bia says Fiji is also preparing for its participation in the Expo 2027 in Belgrade, Serbia, which will commence in April 2027.
He says Fiji's participation will highlight the connection between play, music and sports, the areas that strongly reflect Fiji's identity, culture and international recognition.
He further says that the Expo 2027 presents an opportunity for Fiji to showcase the creativity, talent and resilience of our young people while also strengthening international partnership in sports development, cultural exchange and youth entrepreneurship.
