Rusiate Junior Saini, originally from Nakalou Village in Macuata and one of the 17 young men who graduated today from the Tagane Mai Program by Inspire Pacific, has issued a powerful message to young people, warning them to stay away from drugs, saying it will only harm them.
Saini delivered the vote of thanks during the graduation and shared an inspiring reflection on his journey
He acknowledged the strong brotherhood formed throughout the program and extended his heartfelt thanks to his parents, cousins, siblings, teachers and mentors who supported him.
He says one of the most significant lessons he learned was courage, something he admits he did not have before joining the program.
Saini, who currently works at McDonald’s, says he hopes to rise through the ranks and aims to work hard to eventually become a manager or even a boss one day.
He also shared his long-term goal of creating a sustainable future for himself and his family, starting with building a good home for his parents and later for his own family.
The mother of Tikiko Tavualevu, Mere Adi Rogocanatagi, whose son was featured on Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and also represented the Army in the Sukuna Bowl Boxing Tournament, says the family has seen significant positive changes in Tikiko’s life after he completed the program.
She says one of the challenges Tikiko previously faced was mixing with the wrong group of friends, but the family has witnessed his transformation and renewed dedication to his academic goals.
Rogocanatagi says there is always hope at the end of the tunnel for parents, and she encourages them not to give up on raising their children.
Tikiko shares that he started the program when he was 17 years old, and now at 19, as he graduates today, he is happy for himself.
Tikiko dedicated his achievement today to his mother, acknowledging that she consistently encouraged him to join the program even when he did not want to.
Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua, who was the chief guest at the graduation, says it is important for these young men to understand where they came from, how far they have come, and what plans they have for their future.
Naivalurua says these young men have reached this stage because of the helping hands of those who supported them along the way.
He acknowledged the role of Inspire Pacific in guiding and grooming the participants to grow spiritually, physically and academically.
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