MORE than 100 school dropouts and adults in Ba have gained vocational qualifications, opening doors to further education and employment after completing a community-based training program.
They received certificates from the Fiji National University (FNU) TVET Rural Remote Maritime Training program during a graduation ceremony at Sorokoba Village on Friday.
The graduates, comprising 49 women and 56 men from the districts of Bulu and Nailaga, completed training in: screen printing, domestic electrical installation, fundamentals of food and beverage, and sanitary plumbing.
FNU manager Community-Based Non-Formal Education Setareki Valenitabua said the program provided an opportunity for school-leavers, those who had dropped out and adults to acquire practical skills and formal certification.
He said the training was opened to people aged 17 and above, with the youngest graduate aged 17 and the oldest 73.
“Today, I acknowledge our graduates who have successfully completed their training,” Mr Valenitabua said.
He revealed that 17 graduates had opted to pursue further studies at FNU and would receive offer letters following the certification ceremony.
Mr Valenitabua said two more community-based training were planned for the province of Ba under the partnership.
Roko Tui Ba Iliesa Delasau acknowledged the partnership between FNU and the Soqosoqo vakamarama ni Yasana o Ba, which initiated the program with funding from German church-based development agency Bread for the World.
He said the revival of the program would bring vocational training opportunities directly to communities.
Soqosoqo vakamarama ni Yasana o Ba representative Ane Rika said the initiative was an important step towards addressing school dropout challenges in the province.
She said Ba had recorded the highest number of school dropouts two years ago, making the training a significant opportunity for those who had left school before completing their studies.
Ms Rika acknowledged FNU and Bread for the World’s support in making the program possible.
Roko Tui Ba Iliesa Delasau speaks at the graduation ceremony.
Roko Tui Ba Iliesa Delasau presents the certificate to a graduate during the Fiji National University (FNU) TVET Rural Remote Maritime Training program during the graduation ceremony at Sorokoba Village on Friday. Pictures: ELENA VUCUKULA
Asenaca Naio with her certificate.
Left: Soqosoqo vakamarama ni Yasana o Ba representative Ane Rika.
Roko Tui Ba Iliesa Delasau presents the certificate to a graduate. Picture:ELENA VUCUKULA
Roko Tui Ba Iliesa Delasau presents the certificate to a graduate. Picture:ELENA VUCUKULA
Roko Tui Ba Iliesa Delasau presents the certificate to a graduate. Picture:ELENA VUCUKULA
Roko Tui Ba presents certificates to graduates during the graduation ceremony.
