It was a historic moment for the Hair Beauty and Spa Training Academy at the Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre when it held its first mini-graduation in Namaka, Nadi yesterday.

Fifteen students graduated with Certificates in Hair Beauty and Spa from the academy which was opened earlier this year.

Senior training officer, Seema Agarwal, who has been the driving force behind this training academy, committed herself in ensuring the academy delivered qualified professionals in hair beauty and spa.

Out of the 15 students, 11 graduated with Certificates of Attainment in ayurveda facial massage therapy, manicure and pedicure, waxing and threading, ayurveda body massage, session design, hair sculpture, makeup, hair colouring, two graduated with Certificates of Completion in hair dressing tools, equipment products and hairstyling while two others graduated with Certificate III in Beauty Therapy.

Ms Agarwal was the dean for the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management and head of personality communication skills department at the Mangalayatan University, Beswan, Aligarh Uttar Pradesh and has 28 years of experience in the field.

“We are grateful for sharing our skills and knowledge to Fijian students and help them develop their career in the hair beauty and spa,” she said.

“The positive thing we have learned here is that parents of these children have been very encouraging and supportive and this should be a lesson for all parents to be supportive of what their childrens focus are rather them pushing them to do something they would not like.”

National Training and Productivity Centre’s deputy director Satendra Nair, who was also the chief guest, congratulated the students and said they were steadfast, resolute, and determined and that’s what produced good results.