Update: 1:17PM YOUTHS from three districts in Ra have gained carpentry skills following a two-week training organised by Fiji’s Ministry of Youth and Sports at Savulotu Village.

About 50 youths from Nakorotubu-i-Vanua, Nalawa and Saivou were part of the training.

According to the ministry, the youths were handed certificates yesterday after completing the workshop.

Youth manager West Valami Naloga said demand for the training had increased in the province because villagers found it useful in the rebuilding of their homes that were damaged during Tropical Cyclone Winston.

“The carpentry training is gaining popularity in the province of Ra as many villages and youths have benefitted from the courses organised by the ministry earlier this year to support villages re-build their homes as part of the Help for Homes initiative,” Mr Naloga said.

“The youths from other districts came after learning of the previous training and this current one and they do not want to miss out on this opportunity.”

According to the ministry, the course was provided through the Technical College of Fiji that offered accredited training on the basic and safe use of carpentry hand tools, setting of building sites, building lines, floor framing and flooring, erecting timber wall framing for wall frame construction, and construction of timber gable roofs.

“The Ra province was one of the provinces worst hit by TC Winston and most are living in temporary shelters,” said Mr Naloga.

“This training will help their rehabilitation efforts and help restore their livelihood.”

He added that trainees would receive accredited certificates, which would help them pursue further training and employment opportunities.