During the Vodafone Sugar Festival this week, contestant Lebaiwasa Wakawaka is highlighting the essential role of parental engagement in children’s lives. Sponsored by Unique Sounds Entertainment and Events, Ms. Wakawaka is one of five women contending for the title at the week-long festival held at the Churchill Park carnival grounds in Lautoka.
Currently a third-year law student at the University of Fiji, Ms. Wakawaka sees the festival as a valuable opportunity to build her confidence, which she believes is crucial for her future legal career. She emphasizes that active parental involvement in daily activities can significantly bolster children’s academic performance, enhance their social and emotional skills, and serve as a protective factor against negative outcomes, including drug abuse and teenage pregnancies.
By addressing these pressing issues, Ms. Wakawaka hopes to further her advocacy efforts if she is crowned Ms. Vodafone Sugar. With ambitions to practice civil law after her graduation in 2027 and eventually start her own law firm within the next nine years, she is eager to make a meaningful impact.
This year’s festival continues the tradition of contestants using their platforms to address vital societal challenges. Previous participants, like Adi Bose Vakaturaga, have raised awareness about non-communicable diseases and their relation to substance abuse, while others such as Adi Asenaca Nava have worked to promote positive mindsets among the youth. This trend reflects a commitment among young women in the competition to not only seek titles but also strive for substantial change within their communities.
Ms. Wakawaka’s focus on parental engagement has the potential to motivate both parents and children to foster stronger relationships, leading to healthier, more successful lives. The Vodafone Sugar Festival remains an important venue for these discussions, merging cultural celebration with a strong sense of social responsibility among its participants. Through these initiatives, the festival not only entertains but also enlightens and empowers, heralding a new generation of advocates for positive change.