Civic engagement has become a portal for growth for many youths under the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DEIA) program in the country. To acquire valuable skills through the program and to apply such skills requires great commitment and drive. Last week, 143 young individuals from seven different schools and one youth club not only registered with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, but also received awards in the DEIA program.
The students and youths, according to a Ministry of Youth and Sports statement received their awards in the bronze and silver category during the awards presentation. The students were from the following schools, Tavua College, Ba Sanatan College, Lautoka Muslim College, Lautoka Andhra Sagam College, Votualevu College, Swami Vivekananda College and Nasesevia Secondary School. The youths were members of the Nadrala Youth Club.
Chief guest at the event was the Youth and Sports Minister, Jese Saukuru. Mr Saukuru during his address to the award recipients emphasised on the importance of the service section of the DEIA program in developing a sense of responsibility towards the community, the skill section in equipping students with valuable skills and the physical recreation component in promoting health and fitness. “I have been informed that some former DEIA participants have gone on to become doctors, teachers, and have even pursued studies and work abroad,” he said.
“This goes to show the transformative power of the DEIA in shaping the live.