Eighty-five young people from the Central and Western divisions have completed a three-day training programme designed to equip them with practical skills for employment, income generation and community development.

Participants from Nausori, Nasinu, Navua and Sigatoka took part in the Education Youth Training Programme at the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Nasau Youth Training Centre in Sigatoka.

The programme covered horticulture and nursery management, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, organic agriculture and crop production.

Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training to create opportunities for themselves and others.

Saukuru said practical knowledge could help young people address challenges, generate income and provide greater support to their families and communities.

He said the Government recognised that young people could pursue different pathways to success and stressed the importance of investing in non-formal education, capacity building and practical skills.

The Minister encouraged the participants to take initiative rather than wait for opportunities to come their way, while also reminding them that technical skills must be matched with discipline, leadership, teamwork, responsibility and good character.

The training is part of ongoing efforts to equip young people with practical knowledge that can strengthen livelihoods, build resilience and encourage greater participation in community development.