WHILE our land remains a pillar of our identity and heritage, it is education that provides the iTaukei with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities required to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to Fiji’s progress.”
Those were the sentiments echoed by Minister for iTaukei Affairs and Culture, Ifereimi Vasu, while announcing the establishment of the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) Education Scholarship Framework in Suva last week.
The framework is designed to ensure that iTaukei, whether from the islands, interior villages, or bustling urban centres, have fair access to opportunities that will propel them into the world of higher learning as well as attaining specialised skills.
However, the major question surrounding such an initiative revolves primarily around funding. How is this initiative being paid for? The answer is plain simple: the iTaukei people themselves through the TLTB’s newly established iTaukei Wealth Fund.
A golden goose
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka revealed in a social media update on his Facebook page in December 2023, that the TLTB had announced the formation of the iTaukei Wealth Fund, a strategic initiative aimed at empowering landowning units (LOUs) through wealth creation.
The PM highlighted that the Fund was primarily designed to assist LOUs with selected expired leases buy back when these expire. It also addressed the challenges faced by LOUs in accessing capital from commercial banks and financial institutions.
“The stringent requirements often imposed by these entities have historically been a barrier to development for many iTaukei landowners,” Mr Rabuka said.
He also reaffirmed a statement by Minister Vasu regarding the widespread consensus that was reached regarding the establishment of the fund.
The iTaukei Wealth Fund proposal, prior to its finalisation, underwent a comprehensive consultation process. It was first presented to members of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) during their inaugural meeting in Bau in 2023.
It was here that the proposal received unanimous endorsement, following which it was presented before the various bose vanua yasana and provincial council meetings.
Mr Vasu clarified that at each of these gatherings, the idea was met with widespread support which reflected the collective commitment across various levels of the iTaukei community towards the vision and goals of the iTaukei Wealth Fund.
Mr Rabuka further emphasised that the fund was a vehicle for sustainable development, empowerment, and the realisation of the aspirations of LOUs.
In January, 2024, then acting CEO of the TLTB, Solomoni Nata during a media conference, announced plans by the board to allocate 10 per cent of its annual earnings towards the fund, which potentially totals to about $10 million annually.
Two months later, Mr Nata, during a presentation to the GCC, revealed that $2 million had already been raised since the fund’s creation.
It potentially could be well over that figure by now, considering TLTB’s remarkable financial performance.
The fund is looking increasingly likely to become TLTB’s golden goose that will keep on giving.
While the fund’s objective was primarily to help landowners gain access to much needed capital financing to become property and business owners, as well as manage their land’s economic potential more effectively, the fact that it was now being utilised towards nurturing the academic future of the indigenous people is a step in the right direction.
Securing the future
Minister Ifereimi Vasu stated that the TLTB Education Scholarship Framework is a reaffirmation of government and iTaukei institutions towards strengthening the capabilities, confidence, and long term development of the indigenous people.
“Supported by the iTaukei Wealth Fund, the initiative aligns with Fiji’s national development goals, upholds the principles of UNDRIP, and advances Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education,” he said.
The minister outlined that eligibility is open to iTaukei applicants, who must demonstrate academic commitment, show financial need where relevant, display leadership potential, engage in community and national development, pursue studies in Fiji’s priority sectors, and must not already be recipients of other scholarships such as TELS.
He also listed out the four categories of the programme which include: Financial Need Scholarships, Academic Merit Scholarships, Field Specific Scholarships (critical areas such as engineering, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, finance, business, IT, and land resource management), and Work Experience Scholarships for those seeking to upgrade qualifications.
Whilst under the scholarship programme, recipients would have access to tuition support, mentorship, internships, professional development, and structured pathways into key industries.
“In return, they will be required to work in Fiji for three to five years after graduation, ensuring their skills, and expertise contribute directly to national and community development,” Mr Vasu said.
He also gave his personal commitment to ensuring that no capable or deserving iTaukei student is held back because of financial limitations.
This policy announcement by the TLTB is proof of national commitment to unlocking the full potential of the indigenous people, ensuring that every aspiring iTaukei student, whether pursuing medicine, engineering, IT, agriculture, or any other field, has an equal opportunity to rise, excel, and serve Fiji.
Minister for iTaukei Affairs and Chairman of the TLTB, Ifereimi Vasu. Picture: SUPPLIED
