A weeklong Blue Light empowerment camp is helping young men from around the Central Division build discipline, life skills and stronger relationships with police and their communities.

The initiative is being co-facilitated by the Fiji Police Force, New Zealand Blue Light and New Zealand Police, with support from The Salvation Army.

Minister for Children Sashi Kiran highlighted that many young people continue to face difficult social and economic pressures, with some children repeatedly returning to the streets despite intervention efforts.

“Recent sweeps conducted around the country continue to show children living on the streets and many of them continue to carry burden”, Kiran highlighted.

Kiran emphasized that family, community and cultural identity play an important role in helping young people feel connected and supported.

“Family and communities are important because children need to feel connected to their culture, identity and relationship with the vanua” she said.

Divisional Police Commander Central SSP Luke Cerenasiga stated that the Fiji Police Force is focusing more on prevention and community policing to support vulnerable children and youths.

“All this time I have seen many vulnerable youths returning to the streets and we want to change that through positive engagement”, SSP Cerenasiga said.

Organisers hope the Blue Light camp will continue to empower young people through mentorship, discipline and positive engagement with communities and police.

BY JOELI RAGONELIWA