THE Youths For Integrity (YFI) volunteer network, in Transparency International Fiji (TIF), this week launched an art and creative writing competition, to lead up to their celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, 2014.
The competition, hashtagged #integrity679, centers on anti-corruption, transparency and accountability, and the effects of corruption on the country and especially on women.
It is open to creative people who are interested in art and craft, including poems, plays, songs, painting and all kinds of craft. Prizes will be awarded in three (3) categories: Kaji (14 years & under); Youths (15 – 35); and Rural Women. Entries may be submitted in English, Hindi or ITaukei languages, on soft or hard copy.
“Youths For Integrity was set up during the International Anti-Corruption Day celebration in Suva last year,” said Faranisese Ratu, President of Youths For Integrity (YFI).
“We’re pleased that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP in Suva once again has agreed to sponsor our YFI International Anti-Corruption Day celebration in 2014.
“This is an opportune time to gauge the participation of young people in promoting integrity in personal and public life. The competition this year encourages the active participation of youth and women in anti-corruption activities.” she said.
Ms Ratu said that Transparency International research undertaken in 2012 in the Asia Pacific region showed that youth face an “integrity crisis” — that in order to succeed in life; they believe they need to compromise on their values.
One thousand (1,000) young people (15 – 30 years old) from each country – Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Fiji – took part in the regional survey. More than 60 per cent said they would engage in corruption for personal gain. A third of the young people interviewed think that cheating increases the likelihood of success.
More than 80 per cent of the young people say they believe that youth can take action against corruption.
A Transparency International Fiji statement said that TI defines Corruption as the “abuse of enrusted power for private gain”.
On the other hand, Integrity is “behaviours and actions consistent with a set or moral or ethical principles and standards, embraced by individuals as well as institutions, that create a barrier to corruption”.
Accountability is the concept that individuals, agencies and organisations (public, private and civil society) are held responsible for executing their powers properly.
For more information on the competition, the contacts are:
Faranisese Ratu, President YFI, Phone: 9749071/7481958
Taina Naitube, Volunteer, YFI, Phone 8719109
Email: youthsforintegrityfiji@gmail.com
Facebook: Youths for Integrity
Twitter: @yfi679
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