NTPC provides skills training to COVID-19 affected workers

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(Sitting L-R) JICA representatives Takayama Takuma, Sarojini Lal, Director NTPC Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata and Viliame Cama with the students and NTPC staff at the Namaka Campus on February 25, 2021. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently provided a cookery training course to workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two-week course attracted 40 students who underwent training at the FNU Nasese and Namaka campuses.

The aim of the pilot programme was to assist individuals to acquire new skills and start income-generation activities.

Director NTPC, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, said the timely assistance from JICA provided participants an opportunity to receive professional hands-on guidance on food preparation, budgeting and successfully operating a small business.

Trainer Vilikesa Lenati with JICA representatives, Takayama Takuma, Sarojini Lal and Director NTPC Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata at the Namaka Campus on February 25, 2021. Picture: SUPPLIED

“We are aware of the difficulties that people are facing, especially those who were working in the tourism and hospitality sector where many are now jobless and finding it hard to support their families. This course would equip them with new knowledge, skills, and learning which would provide ideas for income-generating activities,” he said.

“The individuals who were part of the course were given an international standard training by our qualified and professional trainers in this specialised field.

“NTPC is committed to helping people become more productive. Our sponsor, JICA’s support, has strengthened our mission of delivering international standard to our people.”

Sarojini Lal, a Program Officer with JICA said the training has broadened the knowledge and skills of students as well as provided them with an opportunity to become entrepreneurs.

Trainer Vilikesa Lenati is showing the representatives from JICA on the preparation of the food at the Namaka Campus on February 25, 2021. Picture: SUPPLIED

“After COVID-19, most donors were thinking how best they could assist Fiji, and for my organisation JICA, they found out that tourism was severely affected, so they targeted people who were laid off from work or working on reduced hours. This is how we thought the cookery course would be the best, and as a result, we chose this in discussion with NTPC. The skills they have acquired can generate some income even if they are not informal, and they could do work from their homes like catering,” she said.

“We were very impressed with the outcome of the course and how the students have benefited. It is beyond our expectation; we thought it would be at a lower level, but the food was delicious, and it was in line with the 5-star hotel. I would give them 4.5 out of 5 ratings.”

The course ended last Friday.

 

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