06/05/2026
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๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐ฎ๐ค๐๐ข ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ
Yesterday, representatives of the Methodist Church in Fiji (MCIF), led by General Secretary Rev. Dr. Jolami Lasawa, together with Rev. Viliame Tunidau, Pastor for the Young Peopleโs Department (YPD), met with the Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ratu Isikeli Tuiwailevu, Permanent Secretary Mr. Paula Tuione, and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. Josefa Toganivalu at the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in support of youth development, nation-building, and social transformation through the Churchโs proposed โBULI VOUโ (New Creation) Ministry and other youth-focused initiatives.
Discussions highlighted the growing social challenges affecting young people across Fiji, including drug abuse, crime, violence, unemployment, mental health issues, family breakdown, and the gradual erosion of cultural, moral, and spiritual values.
Rev. Dr. Lasawa shared the vision of the BULI VOU Ministry, an integrated youth development programme designed to provide spiritual formation, leadership training, counselling, life skills education, discipline, and community engagement opportunities for young people. The initiative aims to empower youth with purpose, resilience, and positive values while fostering responsible citizenship.
The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs acknowledged the importance of strong partnerships between churches, government agencies, traditional leadership structures, communities, and families in safeguarding the future of Fijiโs youth and preserving the values and identity of the iTaukei people.
Both parties discussed potential areas of collaboration, including youth empowerment and leadership programmes, community-based rehabilitation and mentorship initiatives, cultural and values education, counselling and family support services, skills development opportunities, and joint community outreach programmes.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to working together to build stronger communities and support the holistic development of Fijiโs young people through faith, culture, discipline, and service.
