The Immaculate Conception Parish in Lami is using its annual bazaar pageant to give young people a platform to speak out about social issues affecting their lives, including drugs, teenage pregnancy, broken families and cybercrime.
Assistant Priest Father Aisea Muaivesi says these are some of the challenges affecting young people in Lami, and the parish wants to give them the confidence to stand up and share their views.
He says the pageant was introduced this year not just for beauty or entertainment, but to give young people a voice on issues affecting their communities.
Father Muaivesi says Lami may be a small town, but it has a concentrated population, including families living in settlements such as Qauia, Matata and Valenicina.
He says issues involving drugs, teenage pregnancy, broken families and cybercrime have affected communities in the area over the years.
Father Muaivesi says giving young people an opportunity to speak about these challenges can help them develop the confidence to stand up for themselves and others.
He says when young people share their opinions and concerns, they can become a voice for others facing similar challenges.
Father Muaivesi says another important reason for introducing the pageant was to encourage young women from the parish's five areas to become positive role models.
He says role models are important because young people often follow what they see around them.
Father Muaivesi believes that when young women make positive choices and set a good example, they can help guide younger children towards a better future.
He says the pageant is also an opportunity to encourage more young people to become involved in parish activities.
While the parish already has active youth groups, Father Muaivesi says they want to see more young people participating.
Meanwhile, the Immaculate Conception Parish raised $138,992.16 through its annual bazaar, with funds going towards renovations to the church and parish hall.
Father Muaivesi says the bazaar, which is held only once a year, is also an opportunity to bring families and members of the wider Lami community together.
He says the parish hall is used by members of the public and also generates income for the parish.
He adds that the parish hopes to continue supporting people in need, including the poor and those who are sick, regardless of their religious background.
Father Muaivesi thanked everyone who supported the bazaar, saying coming together and sharing one another's burdens is important in building a stronger community.
The two-day event concluded on Saturday, bringing together the parish's five areas through fundraising and activities aimed at encouraging community and youth participation.
