A new book, “Sex, Dating, Relationships and Everything in Between,” has been launched to assist young individuals in understanding relationships and establishing healthy boundaries. The project has gathered inputs from Fijian youth, leaders, and pastors, with notable contributions from Australian Pastor Letitia Shelton, who leads the initiative.
Shelton, who has a strong connection to Fiji from her youth, has dedicated her efforts to address the need for open discussions about challenging topics often considered taboo within communities and families. Over her 25 years of running a charity in Australia focused on helping abused women and girls, she recognized the lack of resources available for young people growing up in environments that may not provide a model for healthy relationships.
Highlighting the urgent need for education on sensitive topics such as teenage pregnancy, consent, and abuse, Shelton shared that many young people grow up in abusive households, lacking examples of positive relationships. Each chapter of the book is enriched with stories from local Fijians and supplemented by podcasts that share real-life experiences. A particularly informative chapter written by Dr. Seriana Wood offers guidance to young people on navigating unexpected pregnancies.
Shelton has made personal sacrifices to fund the project, cycling 6,000 kilometers across the United States to raise $58,000. This commitment underscores her determination to ensure the book is freely accessible, with 15,000 copies printed and distribution efforts underway through schools, churches, and youth organizations.
This initiative aligns closely with ongoing conversations about rising issues of teenage pregnancies in Fiji, where alarming statistics indicate significant numbers of young girls are becoming mothers each year. The collaboration of various sectors, from health professionals to community leaders, reflects a collective effort to mitigate this trend through education and open dialogue.
Shelton stresses that silence on such topics leaves youth susceptible to misinformation, particularly from social media and pornography. Emphasizing the role of parents and community leaders, she advocates for parents to actively engage in conversations about relationships, abuse, and support systems available to children, a crucial step in empowering young people to make informed decisions.
Described as a groundbreaking resource in Fiji, this book aims to break taboos and promote safe, healthy relationships, presenting hope for a more informed and supportive future for Fijian youth. Through education and community engagement, there is a hopeful outlook for addressing the challenges faced by today’s young people, encouraging them to thrive within a safe and understanding environment.