During this week’s Vodafone Sugar Festival, the significance of parental engagement will be a focal point of advocacy by contestant Lebaiwasa Wakawaka. Sponsored by Unique Sounds Entertainment and Events, Ms. Wakawaka is one of five women competing for the title at the week-long event held at the Churchill Park carnival grounds in Lautoka.
A third-year law student at the University of Fiji, Ms. Wakawaka views the festival as an excellent platform for building confidence, which may be an essential part of her future career. She articulates the belief that active parental involvement in children’s daily activities can significantly enhance academic performance, as well as social and emotional skills, while serving as a preventative measure against negative behaviors such as drug abuse and teenage pregnancies.
Addressing pressing issues like these, Ms. Wakawaka aims to expand her advocacy if she secures the title of Ms. Vodafone Sugar. Her long-term ambitions include practicing civil law after graduation in 2027 and establishing her own law firm within the next nine years.
This year’s festival mirrors previous events in which contestants have utilized their platforms to discuss vital societal issues. For instance, emerging leaders like Adi Bose Vakaturaga have raised awareness about non-communicable diseases and their links to drug use, while others such as Adi Asenaca Nava have focused on promoting positive mindsets among youth. These initiatives underscore a growing trend among young women in the competition, who are not only aiming for titles but also striving to effect real change in their communities.
As Ms. Wakawaka champions the importance of parental engagement, her efforts may inspire both parents and children alike to strengthen their relationships, paving the way for healthier and more fulfilling lives. The Vodafone Sugar Festival continues to provide a vital platform for these discussions, encouraging cultural celebration and social responsibility among its participants.