Students graduate from a free training program

“Socioeconomic backgrounds should not deter us from dreaming,” said Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro at the graduation of more than a hundred underprivileged Suva residents from a free training program delivered by the Fiji National University (FNU).

The week-long program offered training in domestic electrical installation, basic screen printing, basic cookery, small engine repair, and household and sanitary plumbing, serving to gauge the participants’ abilities and interests in order to facilitate the university’s intention to prepare further education pathways for each student.

The first batch of students offered this program grew over the week, evidencing the need and demand for such an initiative.

According to FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba they expected 25 students per course but saw about 150 graduates in total by the end of the week.

“What was discussed when I first took office has finally come to fruition,” said Mr Radrodro.

The program begins again on September 25 at the FNU TVET Pasifika centre on Robertson Road and welcomes street dwellers and those living in informal settlements to take the opportunity to rediscover their educational interests.