Investments in sports infrastructure and youth programs are positioned as essential components for securing Fiji’s social and economic future, underpinned by clear inclusion strategies.
The Drua Foundation has established a youth academy committed to achieving gender equality by 2029, striving for an equal representation of 180 boys and girls across various training streams. Shane Hussein, Head of Commercial and Marketing for the Fijian Drua, emphasized the foundation’s strong focus on both gender equality and inclusivity, mapping out a strategic pathway for the program.
Currently, the initiative is expanding from one training stream to two, prioritizing boys in the initial phase before introducing a third stream in 2026 for girls, as their rugby participation continues to grow. Hussein highlighted that by 2027, the foundation expects a substantial increase in the girls’ talent pool, making it an ideal time to roll out the girls’ stream.
By 2029, the Drua Academy aims to feature three streams for boys and three for girls, each accommodating 30 students, culminating in a total of 180 participants equally split between genders. Plans for infrastructure improvements, such as dormitories, are also in place, ensuring that weekend camps can be conducted with the necessary privacy and dignity, particularly for female players.
Hussein stressed the importance of sustainable growth in this endeavor, acknowledging the need to secure adequate funding to steer clear of potential financial constraints. “We would love to do everything at once, but we simply can’t,” he noted, reiterating the foundational aim of nurturing talent without overextending resources.
The Drua Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for change in Fiji, with a focus that extends beyond rugby to encompass health, education, and social outreach. Through collaborative initiatives and partnerships within the community, the foundation aspires to implement programs that foster meaningful transformations for Fijian children and their families, ultimately contributing to the next generation of rugby stars in Fiji. The significant investment in youth programs and infrastructure reflects a hopeful vision for the country’s sporting landscape.