My Little Ray of Hope
Leadership Fiji – Team Taura Tale launched a nationwide poetry contest to get individuals to use creative means to express and encourage conversations on Suicide. The event was organized to commemorate World Suicide Prevention day themed – Creating Hope Through Action.
The competition was open to all Fijian citizens and divided into three categories;
Primary (10-13 years old)
Secondary (14-18 years old)
Open (19 and older)
Empower Pacific had the pleasure of judging the competition.
Yesterday, 21-year-old Joshika Kumar who penned My Little Ray of Hope was awarded her certificate and prizes by Merchant Finance as the winner of the Open category. Miss Kumar says she’s very grateful and honoured to be receiving recognition for her work. Hailing from the friendly North, Miss Kumar is currently three years into her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at the University of Fiji. Miss Kumar says her piece was inspired by her experience in the hospitals. While in her clinical practice, she saw a lot of teenage mothers. “What was disheartening was the lack of family support”, she says.
The difficulties faced by those young mothers gave her the words to pen their reality.
Left to right – Ms. Prem Singh - Clinical Supervisor & Mental Health Specialist, Mr, Bobby Ali, - Divisional General Manager West, Miss. Joshika Kumar - Recipient of the First Prize in the Open category.
The prizes for the competition was proudly sponsored by Merchant Finance.
Mr. Bobby Ali, the Divisional General Manager West of Merchant Finance highlighted the need for individuals to talk about these issues and provide support to others. He also highlighted the support needed from organizations such as Merchant Finance who can play a crucial role in combatting suicide among our children.
Empower Pacific, Clinical Supervisor and Mental Health Specialist Ms. Prem Singh who was also present at the event said that when we do talk about issues such as teen pregnancy, suicide or mental health conditions, we usually initially find ourselves alone and this is due to the stigma attached to Mental Health.
Ms. Prem Singh says Ms. Kumar's poem was one of the most heart touching pieces as it dealt with the issue of teen pregnancy and the experiences a young girl goes through – the intense emotions, suicidal ideation, lack of family support and missed opportunities etc. “From the moment this young girl is faced with the decision of having this baby, she feels that the odds are stacked against her and there are moments where she thinks that she wouldn’t make it, but her inner strength and resilience keep her going”. Ms. Singh further added that it is important for us as parents, teachers, stakeholders and communities to talk about such issues to help our children’s development and general well-being”.
A total of nine individuals were selected as winners out of 48 entries.
The competition was supported by the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, Empower Pacific, Lifeline Fiji and Youth Champs 4 Mental Health.
More information can be accessed here.
https://www.facebook.com/TauraTale2021/posts/118339653919607