PARTICIPANTS in this year's Vodafone Hibiscus Festival are ramping up their preparations by taking part in a capacity development program.
As part of the program, the contestants will take part in awareness sessions to discuss issues of concern in Fiji and the world.
Vodafone Hibiscus Festival committee executive secretary Aqela Cakobau said the Ministry of Health as well as the International Labour Organization would make presentations to the contestants.
"The Hibiscus Events Group Inc (HEGI) plans to equip the hibiscus contestants with as much knowledge as possible prior to the week-long Hibiscus Festival scheduled for August 17," Ms Cakobau said.
"Topics to be discussed include general wellness and the Rainbow Approach to better living, in particular combating non-communicable diseases in Fiji which is the theme of this year's festival.
"The International Labour Organization (ILO) has also agreed to present to the 15 young ladies vying for the Queen's crown."
"They will cover youth employment, child labour, HIV/ Aids in the workplace, gender issues in the working world and issues of crisis and employment," she added. Ms Cakobau said Young Women's Leadership Alliance and Transparency International would also make presentations.