GOVERNMENT has an objective to provide support, assistance and develop non formal education (NFE) programs further.
This, according to Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou, was to harness the potential of our youths.
Mr Tuitubou highlighted this while officiating at the inaugural Fiji Council of Non-Formal Education meeting at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Headquarters, Nasoqo House in Suva.
Mr Tuitubou said youths should know that :“Life offers them a second chance. It’s called tomorrow.”
“Non-formal education, gives a second opportunity to marginalised youths and adults to learn new skills, knowledge and attitudes to encourage them to be gainfully employed in the informal and formal sectors” Mr Tuitubou said.
“This would mean learning such skills/knowledge as screen-printing, sewing, light engineering, improved farming skills of cash crops, simple bookkeeping, literacy and cultural matters.”
He said the NFE program has come a long way in Fiji, however there was much more work that was needed to be done, including ensuring coordination and quality outcomes for the youth.
“The National Youth Policy on Non-Formal Education approved by the Cabinet recognises that our NFE programs need to promote inclusivity, diversity and equality for all youth,” he said.
“It is to encourage unemployed school leavers, adults and individuals involved in the informal and formal economic sectors to develop their full potential through NFE programmes.
“Similarly, it is recognized in the National Policy that disadvantaged groups like people with disabilities, women, rural students, and children and youths living off the streets, the LGBTIQ, ex-offenders and disadvantaged people amongst others, require NFE programs either as a bridging program or as an empowering tool to support and develop their full potential.”
Mr Tuitubou said the Ministry was also committed to working closely with stakeholders, particularly the Fiji Higher Education Commission to have its training programs accredited and recognised.
