Students pursuing a Diploma in Vanua Leadership Program (DVLP) at Fiji National University have been reminded that while traditions and customs were important to the majority of the iTaukei, as a leader it is important to consider how priorities have changed due to social and economic influences.
The Diploma in Vanua Leadership Program is an initiative between the Great Council of Chiefs and FNU, funded by the Australian Government, focused on cultivating leaders with iTaukei values and traditions to address the challenges of a rapidly changing society.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu encouraged the students to garner support in empowering the young iTaukei community.
He also spoke of the need for modern leaders to be adaptive to the changing environment, as there are many issues influencing the young generation.
He called on young leaders to support and advocate the “Say No to Drugs” movement.
The Commissioner expressed the Fiji Police Force’s concerns about the involvement of young people in crime, particularly those in their productive years, and called for support for crime prevention efforts to safeguard Fiji’s future generation.
He reminded students to remain grounded in the understanding that leadership is about service to others before self, and that respect is earned and not demanded.
The programme is funded by the Australian Government, with 28 cohorts from the 14 provinces.
