Graduates at the Spa Fiji Awards this year qualified knowing that their external assessment was conducted by one of the world’s premiere spa and beauty certification authorities.

In the field of esthetics and beauty therapy, the most prestigious qualification that can be earned is the certification by Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO).

Based in Switzerland and founded over 65 years ago, CIDESCO is the world’s premiere spa and beauty certification authority.

As an international organisation with affiliates in 33 countries, CIDESCO sets the world-wide standard for the training of beauty therapists.

At the forefront of making this possible is Debra Sadranu, owner of the Spa Academy Fiji and the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenating Centre along with sister company Senikai Spas.

She has dedicated her business in providing students the training ground to prepare them our growing tourism industry.

The Academy was established in 1998 and is said to offer the highest level of training in beauty therapy to the young women of Fiji.

“Our training institute is accredited with the Fiji Higher Education Commission and I express my appreciation to the FHEC for their recognition and ongoing support over the years,” Ms Sadranu said.

“When I first opened the Academy in 1998, it was evident that beauty and spa training would facilitate Fiji’s resorts with graduates and provide spa services for their International tourists.”

“I stand here today offering my absolute appreciation to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who have provided scholarships enabling Fiji’s rural women to train in our Institute.

“This graduation also marks another milestone, with our first external assessment conducted by CIDESCO.

“We are very proud to be able to work with CIDESCO in offering our students International recognition for their achievements.”

She said graduates and their families should be proud of the achievements of the students this year as they had Narelle Blinman of CIDESCO as the external assessor.

“This year, whilst observing the passion and determination of students, I can only imagine that it comes from their past struggles, then to be given such an amazing opportunity.

“To all of our graduates…you still have so much to learn and experience in the workforce, the journey and next chapter of your life now begins.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj