The important part of a child's growth in today’s society is the lessons learned from home.
This was highlighted by Acting Senior Administrative Officer of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs (Department of Language and Culture), Sireli Saro while speaking to fijivillage News.
He says this five-week program is dedicated to the preservation of the sacred traditions of tuberi ni kamunaga and sevusevu—fundamental protocols that continue to shape social relationships, respect, and identity within iTaukei society.
He says the Fiji Museum, in collaboration with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs (Department of Language and Culture), is teaching more than nine youths from different parts of Fiji about traditional protocol.
He explains that if a child knows their identity and understands their duties and responsibilities in the village, social issues will significantly reduce.
He highlights that in Fijian culture, children are best taught at home, especially during shared activities such as family meals.
22-year-old Isireli Dawai from Narewa, Nadi says he recognises the change in teenagers’ knowledge of traditional protocol due to westernisation.
He adds that the influence of drugs and the introduction of western social issues are contributing factors to this change.
He shares that it is important to know who you are and where you are from, as everything will fall into place.
The program will be held every Saturday for five consecutive weeks, ending on the 18th of April.
