Govt turned its back on us - Seek to Save Ministry youth rep

A lot of times we have asked assistance from the government, and many times they have turned their back on us.

This was the blunt message delivered by Elia Berabi, a youth representative for Seek to Save Ministry, during the National Talanoa Session on Responding to Illicit Drugs in Fiji: Renewing Commitment Through Action, in Lami.

Berabi says that despite repeated pleas for support, his ministry continues to operate largely on passion and personal sacrifice.

Berabi says they currently support 20 young people between the ages of 14 and 27, many of whom were once living on the streets of Suva.

He says 70 percent of the youths in his care are HIV positive, while half entered the programme battling drug addiction.

He recounted how the ministry began in 2023, after he and his younger brother were moved by increasing reports of drug abuse among young people.

Disturbed by the number of street children they encountered in Suva, the brothers decided to act.

Despite not being financially stable, he and his brother brought several of the children home to live with him and his family in Colo-i-Suva.

Insert: Berabi - Connect with them 

Through consistent conversations, he discovered that many of the youths had left home due to family breakdowns, abuse and neglect.

Berabi says several had parents who had remarried, and described being mistreated by step-parents.

In contrast, they found acceptance and shared companionship on the streets.

He adds that many were introduced to drugs through peers while seeking belonging and emotional support.

Beyond counselling, Berabi says the ministry has established an agricultural project aimed at giving the youths purpose and economic independence.

Starting with five acres of land, the group planted crops worth $15,000.

They have since expanded to 25 additional acres in Colo-i-Suva and now have crops valued at $35,000, with markets reportedly opening overseas.

Berabi has also opened term deposit accounts for the youths, with a target of $35,000 in savings for each child within three years.

The programme operates on a structured daily routine, beginning at 7am with devotion, chores and farm work.

Berabi says the transformation has been remarkable.

However, he admits that the journey has not been easy, that he and his wife house nearly 20 youths in their home, and shoulder much of the financial burden themselves.

Insert: Berabi - A living testimony 

Berabi has challenged the leaders and stakeholders at the talanoa session to move beyond dialogue and take practical action.

He says Fiji needs people with passion, who are proactive, and those who truly love this nation.