Social Challenges Advocacy Volleyball Tournament Promotes Awareness Through Sport

Suva City Council continues to strengthen its commitment to addressing social challenges by working closely with key government agencies, community partners, and civil society organisations, using sport and outreach programmes to engage young people in positive and meaningful ways.

The Social Challenges Advocacy Volleyball Tournament is one such initiative that reflects this collaborative approach. The tournament was proudly sponsored by China Railway Engineering Group No. 5, Yue Lai Hotel, Unique Rubber Stamp, Carpenters Shipping, Max Marketing, Stage Tech, and the Fiji Police Force, whose support made the event possible.

Through the tournament, Suva City Council partnered with the Fiji Police Force – Community Policing, the Ministry of Health (HIV/AIDS and Mental Health teams), the Ministry of Youth, and the Ministry of Social Welfare, alongside local NGOs including Drug Free Fiji and Drug Free World.

These partners used the platform to engage directly with youths and communities, sharing information on drug abuse prevention, HIV awareness, mental health support, social welfare services, and crime prevention, while encouraging healthy lifestyles and responsible decision-making.

The Council also acknowledged the important role played by religious organisations, who continue to work at the grassroots level to support young people, provide guidance, and help keep youths off the streets through faith-based programmes, mentoring, and community activities.

Olivia from Drug Free World highlighted the value of collaboration, saying, “When organisations come together through events like this, we reach young people in a positive, respectful, and effective way.”

Chairman Tevita Boseiwaqa said the Council’s approach is about inclusion and shared responsibility. “No single organisation can address these challenges alone. By working with police, ministries, NGOs, sponsors, and faith-based groups, we are building stronger support systems for our young people and communities,” he said.

Suva City Council remains committed to strengthening partnerships that promote safety, wellbeing, and opportunity, ensuring that Suva’s youths are supported, informed, and empowered to choose positive pathways forward.