Jittu Estate will come alive tomorrow during Vuvale Fun Day, a community event hosted by Inspire Pacific which is designed to unite families and inspire young people.
Speaking to fijivillage News, the founder of Inspire Pacific and facilitator of the Tagane Mai programme, Ben Morrison, says the vision behind the event is to unite the community and engage young people in a day that is not just about games, but about encouraging, inspiring, and speaking hope into their lives.
He says the fun-filled day will feature activities for all ages, including a bouncy castle and games for children, family-friendly competitions, and a volleyball tournament with around 20 teams, most of them from Jittu Estate.
Morrison says Inspire Pacific initially began working with Jittu Estate because it is close to their church in Samabula and the number of young men from the area who were living on the streets, loitering, or passing through the juvenile centre.
INSERT: Morrison on working with Jittu
While reflecting on their journey over the past two years, Morrison says the greatest success has been the transformation they have seen in young men, many of whom are now pursuing education, engaging in further training, finding employment, and restoring relationships within their families.
He says they also came in to Jittu Estate having been informed that it was a red zone area and they are thankful that crime is decreasing in the area.
He stressed the importance of bringing the community together through events like Vuvale Fun Day, saying that a divided community creates a toxic environment, and that if a community can be united around a common vision, where young people are supported, encouraged, and guided, then real change can happen.
He says they often use the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child,” and they have observed a breakdown of that principle in urban areas, particularly within informal housing communities.
He adds that what they would like to see is Jittu Estate essentially becoming a village again, one that is united, standing together, and addressing differences collectively.
Morrison also acknowledged the contributions of partners, including the Salvation Army, the Ministry of Police, the Public Rental Board, churches, donors, and sponsors, emphasising that it will take far more than just a few ministries or organisations coming together for this vision and dream not only to become a reality, but to become a sustainable one.
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