Sainiani Boila 
[File Photo]
The Fiji Arts Council has expressed strong confidence in the potential of art, culture, and heritage to play a significant role in tackling the country’s pressing macroeconomic challenges.
Director Maciu Betei says this includes issues like teenage pregnancies, drug use, and sexual violence.
He believes that creative outlets have the power to make a tangible impact on society’s problems and improve lives.
“We are willing to assist, we have our senior artists, emerging artists who can participate in these programs to try and get in students who we call dropouts or dropouts of our school system and there is no safety net for them I believe there is this Cultural, Heritage and Arts and this is something that we have been trying to emphasize this past few years.”
Betei says that many young people, especially those who do not fit traditional academic paths, may find fulfillment and financial success through artistic careers, just as those in white-collar jobs do.
“We have to work together with government ministries and departments, like the Ministry of Women and Children, to provide assistance and create opportunities for these young people. Not all students will become doctors or lawyers, but many possess talents that can help them build successful careers through art.”
The Fiji Arts Council is committed to raising awareness about the positive impact of culture and art, especially in shaping the future of Fiji’s youth.
