THE $1million University of Fiji Centre for iTaukei Studies Bure and Hindi Centre will become a hub of cultural empowerment, linguistic research, teacher training and community outreach.
Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka shared this while speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the centre in Lautoka yesterday.
“This centre is not simply an academic initiative,” he said.
“It is a national project that will:
-Preserve and strengthen the iTaukei and Hindi languages, both foundational to our heritage;
-Advance research in culture, identity, and history, ensuring future generations inherit knowledge that is both rigorous and authentic;
-Train teachers, thinkers, storytellers, researchers and leaders who can champion our indigenous and Indo-Fijian knowledge systems;
-And importantly, it will provide a home where languages are not only taught but lived, felt, and understood as tools of unity.”
Mr Gavoka emphasised that our strength as a nation lies not just in our economy, but in the beauty, dignity and richness of our cultures.
He said the centre is being built on strong foundations, because 2024 has been a year of tremendous progress for the University of Fiji.
“The university recorded a positive financial turnaround in 2024, returning to surplus. And, importantly, Uni Fiji continues to uphold international quality assurance standards.
“These achievements show a university moving confidently and responsibly toward excellence.
“For that, I acknowledge the council, the academic staff, the management team, your development partners, and the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji.”
Mr Gavoka said the ground-breaking ceremony was made possible through the Coalition Government’s historic $1million capital grant — the first of its kind for the university.
“This is more than a financial contribution. It is a statement of trust. Of believe in your mission. And of our shared conviction that Fiji’s development must be anchored in the strength of its people and its languages.
“Your Coalition Government is committed to ensuring the revival, preservation, and advancement of the iTaukei and Hindi languages — both recognised as national languages under the current Constitution.”
