SINCE birth, Navneet Prasad developed a fear for water because he did not know how to swim, however, this changed after he attended the Let’s Swim Fiji Training workshop this week.

Mr Prasad is learning how to swim at the Labasa branch of the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons.

The 23-year-old said since he was brought up by his elderly parents, they were old and did not have the time and strength to teach him swimming.

“I am grateful to the council for selecting me and another representative from the council to be part of the workshop,” he said.

“Before the workshop, I used to fear water.

“I think there is a need for these sort of workshops to be taken to communities around the country.”

His disability did not dampen Mr Prasad’s efforts to learn swimming and lifesaving techniques taught during the workshop.

“I see my disability as my strength and work around them to achieve my goals,” he said.

The three-day workshop which involved teachers in Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata began on Monday and ended yesterday. Teachers will now be able to provide swimming lessons to students in their schools.