MAKING sure their voices are heard, Fijian youths of Indian descent and those with disabilities were yesterday trained on how to prepare their submissions for the new constitution.
Although the submission deadline has been set for today, the youths were not disheartened as they put together their proposals which was sent to the Constitution Commission.
The group, assisted by the iTaukei youth leaders from various districts of Macuata, did not present their submissions upon the arrival of the commission in Labasa last week.
Macuata Provincial Council youth co-ordinator Mavela Liga said the training was organised for the group and also for youths with disabilities.
"The youth council presented its submission last week without the group's submissions and we wanted to make sure their voices and opinions are also heard, that's why we are conducting this training. All the submissions collected from here will be presented directly to the commission," Mr Liga said. He said they had worked towards promoting multiculturalism and uniformity and such training was the only way to bring the north youths together.
"As Fijians, it's only proper we all work together for the purpose of building a better nation." Labasa administrator for the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons, Monisha Rao, said they were grateful to be part of the training.
"This is really a good move because youths with disabilities here in Macuata will be able to voice their opinions on new constitution," Ms Rao said.
"A lot of people are still stigmatising us given our physical conditions and we propose that the government implement a legislation that will promote equality."
The training was a collaborative effort between the council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.