INVESTING in sports infrastructure and youth programs is seen as key to Fiji’s social and economic future, with clear inclusion plans.
The Drua Foundation’s youth academy aims for gender equality by 2029, with 180 boys and girls equally represented across six streams in alignment with there programs.
“Gender equality and inclusion are very important to the Drua Foundation. We have a clear vision and pathway ahead of us,” said Shane Hussein, the Fijian Drua Head of Commercial and Marketing.
“We are gradually expanding from one stream to two. We’ll focus on boys first, then introduce a third stream in 2026, followed by our first cohort of girls in 2027.
“Our aim now is to do this sustainably. You must first ensure the pathway is clear and secure for the boys, given the large talent pool and existing systems.
“Girls’ rugby is very popular, with increasing participation, though it’s still relatively new.”
He said by 2027, the talent pool will have grown considerably, making it the perfect time to launch the first girls’ stream.
“Considering this, by 2029, there will be three boys’ streams and three girls’ streams in the Drua Academy, each with 30 students.”
“Infrastructure investments, such as dormitories, are planned to support weekend camps and ensure privacy and dignity, especially for girls.”
Hussein added: “That totals 90 students per gender, so 180 children are involved in the Drua Academy, talented boys and girls in equal numbers.”
“We will have achieved gender equality by 2029, which is not far off.
“The key is to build this pathway sustainably, avoiding funding shortages by overstretching ourselves. Funding, after all, is a crucial factor.
“We would love to do everything at once, but we simply can’t,” he said.
This strategy aligns with growing participation in girls’ rugby and aims to build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline.
The Drua Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunity and change in Fiji. Their work spans rugby development, health and education, and social outreach and inclusivity.
Through strategic initiatives and community partnerships, they create and deliver programs that make a genuine difference for Fijian schoolchildren, families, communities, and future Fiji rugby stars.