Youths race for poverty

from The Fiji Times

A race was held in Lautoka to shed light on the issue of poverty.

The event, organised by the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprise N Development, attracted attention.

Event coordinator Jone Nawaikula said with its theme, "Stand up and speak out against poverty", teams from various social backgrounds from schools, security services and businesshouses took time out to participate in the one-day event.


He said the organisation decided against holding a seminar or training-like format in the usual training rooms, opting for an outdoor fun activity but with a serious message.

He said it also gave participants the opportunity to work as a team.

"Humor, passion and courage were displayed here today as 100 young people hustle through Lautoka City," he said.

"Amidst cracking clues and participating in team challenges, the teams visited 16 check points around the city." Mr Nawaikula said at every check-point, teams were presented with information on poverty in Fiji and the social services available when they were in need. "Next year we hope to organise this event on a larger scale where the teams would have to go out to places like Vunato to see for themselves people who scavenge down at the dump and other places in and around Lautoka."