Percy Navolo, a 57-year-old from Votualevu, Nadi, has dedicated his life to helping youth at-risk and volunteering for organisations such as Cure Kids Fiji.
His journey began with the American Peace Corps, where he worked with unemployed youth, teaching them bike mechanics and sports to keep them away from violence.
“I was brought up in Raiwaqa, that’s where I started from,” he said.
“I’ve been with American Peace Corps volunteers for a very long time. We work along with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.”
Navolo’s commitment to community service is deeply personal. He believes in providing opportunities for those who may not have had access to a formal education.
“The life in Raiwaqa was something only the law and the religion within that time knew. The were unemployed youths, a lot of violence and struggle — most of our youths never completed school, so they had no choice.
“That’s why they end up on the streets — doing all the wrong things. As for me, I choose my path to prove that even though they don’t achieve good education, but they still can achieve something better.”
Also a former national Fiji representative in cycling for 25 years, Mr Navolo’s love for the sport led him to Cure Kids Fiji in 2017.
“The reason I’m here is also because of my love for cycling and ambition to help those in need the support. My work began many years ago as a volunteer.
Mr Navolo, who moved to the West after the 1998 Commonwealth Games, said volunteerism broaden his mind and showed him a new meaning in his life.
“For us here in Fiji it is really tough. It’s not that easy, but volunteering and community work is something that motivates me and it didn’t matter where and how far I needed to travel to serve.
“When you’re at home or in the office, you don’t learn or experience anything, but when you go out in the field, then you see the dire need young kids, youths and parents go through and the lack of support there is.”
Mr Navolo encourages youths to get involved and sign up for volunteer work.
“I always encourage youths that they can always learn the trade and try to give the time to look to this kind of organisation because they learn a lot, and they will be supported by them.
“If we depend on the government and all that, that’s another story. But with this, it’s open because they do the field work like exactly what’s happening right now.”
