In a recent interview, Naea Bennett said he is “honoured to respond to the call from President Edouard Fritch” to serve the young people of French Polynesia as the Minister for Youth, Crime Prevention, and Sports.
He believes the education he has received and the values he defends will help him succeed.
Bennett is a former beach soccer star who received wide recognition for sitting out of the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup final game because he refused to play on a Sunday. In his sports career and his everyday life, he has always strived to act according to his beliefs.
“I know that my example, my actions, contribute to shedding light to the restored gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ, not only in his Church, but also in our society, and today as a member of the government,” he said.
As Minister for Youth, Bennett is hoping to provide solutions “not only for our idle and aimless youth but also to support all the youth who are fighting daily to live a normal course: eager to study, to train themselves.”
He hopes he can be a solution for the youth of French Polynesia by being the best version of himself. He wants to be an example to young people who are going through difficult times, and encourages all to build up the country with real values such as respect, effort, perseverance and selflessness.
Minister Naea Bennett with his staff (from the left) Gerald Huioutu, Marau Taputuarai, Head of Staff and Henri Estall, project manager. French Polynesia, April 2021
Minister Naea Bennett with his staff (from the left) Gerald Huioutu, Marau Taputuarai, Head of Staff and Henri Estall, project manager. French Polynesia, April 2021© 2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.He said youth can be young builders in the country, even while they are trying to find a place for themselves in society with very few means at their disposal. “They are all talented young people, full of ambition. We need to take care of them, all of them.”
Bennett emphasised the importance of the family unit as the foundation of life. He believes this is essential because the family plays a key role in the development of children. “When a young person can find their place in their home, they have a better chance at succeeding in life,” he said.
He says he will use his sports experience to show youth that sports can be a pathway for them. “When you don't have the basics, that is to say, the support of your parents, your family, things take a completely different turn and despite all the good will you have to achieve your goal, often it is a real obstacle course,” he said.
Bennett wants all youth to know the future is in their hands. “Nobody can steal your dreams, but achieving goals will depend on what youth sow today and the hard work they put into amassing knowledge, both secularly and spiritually.
“Education remains an essential weapon to overcome the challenges of life,” Bennett said. “The solutions are in your hands, have faith in yourself, take every opportunity you have to learn, analyze and act. You are the future. I have faith in you.”
