Veena Singh has been an advocate of gender equality, social inclusion, women’s peace and security and human rights for more than 15 years.
And she has now added a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy from the Fiji National University (FNU) into the mix.
Singh, a feminist development practitioner is at present the Research Officer at the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Human Rights and Social Division.
She recently graduated from FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE).
“I wanted to participate in a field of study that went beyond the textbooks, one that would give me the opportunity to learn, to expand my knowledge base and to also challenge me. The way the program was structured gave me the flexibility to balance work, life, and a postgraduate study. My professor and lecturer created an enabling environment to learn and were very supportive of my learning and development,” Singh said.
She selected the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy program because it aligned with exactly what she wanted to pursue.
“I was given the opportunity to discuss my future learning plans with my lecturer and professor. So, I suppose the supportive encouragement to learn in an institution like FNU started even before I confirmed and enrolled for the program. I think the human side of learning that goes beyond systems, paperwork and textbooks came first and was a priority, and very evident through my engagements and this was what had drawn me to FNU and to my chosen area of study,” she added.
The FNU alumna added that her postgraduate qualification had equipped her with additional skills and value, which had enriched her overall professional work experience.
“Now I have in-depth knowledge, strengthened capabilities, analysis, and research skills on social policy. I got to learn more about social policy discourses, philosophical arguments, and have also been able to access journals, academic papers, and critiques on various aspects of social policy.
“I would most definitely encourage incoming students to enrol in this program. If you are coming in with a teachable and learning attitude, you will learn so much, and more.
“Having great educators and peers just makes the learning process more fun and bearable especially for someone like me who was juggling full-time work, health, managing home and family life amidst other life commitments.”
Sharing some sage words of advice, Singh encouraged the students to “be teachable, always be curious about learning and be humble”.
“It is never too late to study and you are never too old to graduate. Also, surround yourself with different types of diverse people who will introduce you to different or new concepts, new ways of doing things, and those that will allow you access to various knowledge systems that may not be readily available to you.”
