Former drug user says only together can we protect our youth from drugs

Only together can we protect our youth from drugs.

That was the powerful message from former drug user and Drug Free World Fiji representative Olivia Vosarewa-Tawake, who openly shares her past struggles with drug use and selling, during the Under-18 and Open youth sports tournament in Raiwaqa.

Insert: I Lived it 19th Jan 26 

Speaking to youth, parents, and community members, Vosarewa-Tawake is urging everyone to unite in the fight against drug abuse.

She says her journey from addiction to advocacy is what is driving her mission to help others make better choices.

The advocate says drugs left deep scars on her life, including becoming a single mother, and she now works to help other young people from going down the same path.

She says this year’s tournament showed a shift in mindset, with young people more open and willing to listen.

Vosarewa-Tawake praised Raiwaqa parents for turning out in strong support of their children and called on adults to lead with love, humility and responsibility.

Quoting James 4:10, she says, humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up.

She stresses that while parents don’t choose drugs for their children, they are responsible for guiding them with truth, love, and presence.

Drawing on her work with vulnerable youth—including HIV-positive children with little or no family support—she described the physical and emotional damage drugs can cause.

Vosarewa-Tawake urges parents to spend more time with their children and become their main source of knowledge, instead of leaving them to learn from the streets.

She says fighting drug abuse takes more than one voice—it takes unity.

She warns about the dangers of peer pressure, describing it as “blind mice leading blind mice”, and says too many realise the dangers of drugs only after it is too late.

Vosarewa-Tawake acknowledges the tournament organisers for creating a platform that nurtures youth talent and builds positive change.

Her message to everyone was clear—say no to drugs, support one another, and work together to build a better Fiji.

Drug Free World Fiji focuses on empowering people with factual information so they can live drug-free lives.