Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
09/25/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2025 15:44
TAVEUNI YOUTH URGED TO ‘RISE WITH THE FIRST...
Taveuni - "This is your opportunity to rise with the first light, so make it count."
This was the message from the Minister for Policing, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, to more than 400 students at the inaugural Rise Taveuni Campaign, organised by the Taveuni Empowerment of Women Support Group (TEWSG).
Sharing his journey from the son of a Taveuni farmer to senior civil servant, diplomat, and now a government leader, Minister Naivalurua encouraged students to stay focused on their education, careers, and personal goals.
Speaking on the theme First Light: Where New Beginnings Rise, he urged young people to avoid choices that could derail their future and to follow in the footsteps of Taveuni's many high achievers.
"From sports to public service, from education to business, our people have represented Fiji nationally and globally, carrying the name of Taveuni with pride," he said.
"Today our paramount chief, Na Turaga na Tui Ca'au, leads the way as our president. The list of kai Taveuni who inspire us is endless."
The campaign featured successful Taveuni professionals who shared their experiences, including Ms. Alfreda Fisher of Qamea-Republic of Fiji Naval officer and captain of the Fijiana team for the 2025 Rugby Women's World Cup; Mr. Antonio Raivalita Yavalanavanua of Somosomo Village - a legal practitioner with Australian Aid; and Mr. Joji Masivesi of Vuna Village - a 23-year-old farmer, homeowner, and business owner.
TEWSG, a collective of mothers and grandmothers addressing socio-economic issues affecting women, youth, and children on the island since 2014, organised this event with financial support from Women's Fund Fiji.
This was the message from the Minister for Policing, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, to more than 400 students at the inaugural Rise Taveuni Campaign, organised by the Taveuni Empowerment of Women Support Group (TEWSG).
Sharing his journey from the son of a Taveuni farmer to senior civil servant, diplomat, and now a government leader, Minister Naivalurua encouraged students to stay focused on their education, careers, and personal goals.
Speaking on the theme First Light: Where New Beginnings Rise, he urged young people to avoid choices that could derail their future and to follow in the footsteps of Taveuni's many high achievers.
"From sports to public service, from education to business, our people have represented Fiji nationally and globally, carrying the name of Taveuni with pride," he said.
"Today our paramount chief, Na Turaga na Tui Ca'au, leads the way as our president. The list of kai Taveuni who inspire us is endless."
The campaign featured successful Taveuni professionals who shared their experiences, including Ms. Alfreda Fisher of Qamea-Republic of Fiji Naval officer and captain of the Fijiana team for the 2025 Rugby Women's World Cup; Mr. Antonio Raivalita Yavalanavanua of Somosomo Village - a legal practitioner with Australian Aid; and Mr. Joji Masivesi of Vuna Village - a 23-year-old farmer, homeowner, and business owner.
TEWSG, a collective of mothers and grandmothers addressing socio-economic issues affecting women, youth, and children on the island since 2014, organised this event with financial support from Women's Fund Fiji.
Government of the Republic of Fiji published this content on September 25, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 25, 2025 at 21:44 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]