The Methodist Church in Vanuabalavu is taking a strong stand against the growing concerns surrounding HIV and drug use in Fiji by keeping children and young people actively engaged in community activities.
In villages across Vanuabalavu, youths and children are encouraged to participate in farming, community activities and sporting events, providing them with positive and productive ways to spend their time.
Talatala Qase of the Wasewase Vanuabalavu, Reverend Wame Boselawa, says that while keeping young people occupied through community and sporting activities is important, their spiritual upbringing is equally vital.
He says instilling strong Christian values and providing proper spiritual guidance from an early age can play an important role in helping children and young people make positive choices and stay away from harmful influences such as drugs and other risky behaviours.
Reverend Boselawa says the church, together with families and communities, has an important responsibility to guide and support the younger generation and provide them with a safe and positive environment in which to grow.
He says the youths and children fast at the end of each month and abstain from kava consumption for some time to help them grow spiritually and keep them away from the social issues affecting the country.
