For Anisi Koroivuki, the training she received at Service Pro International Tourism and Hospitality Institute has turned out to be promising as she looks forward to opportunities in the hospitality industry.

The young lass of Kinoya was part of the twenty five youths that recently received training though the Ministry of Youth and Sports funded programme on Massaging techniques and Food and Beverage service, a component of the Urban Multi Skill train­ing programme within the ministry.

“I left university a few years ago and have been unemployed since and this training has given me an opportunity to explore the hospitality industry and tourism sector,” she explains.

“It is truly a worthwhile prospect as the training was fully funded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and such opportunity gives young people second chances to be productive in the job sector. I am grateful that I was part of the group trained this week which consist young people from dif­ferent walks of life,” Ms Koroivuki said.

“We feel motivated and thankful that Gov­ernment is taking steps to ensure equal opportunities for young people to find employment through multi skill training programmes of the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” she further add.

Officiating during the certificate presenta­tion, Director of Service Pro International Tourism and Hospitality Institute Epi Gon­ewai said the long association with the Youth Ministry has enabled them to reach out to youths and many have found employ­ment in the hotel industry.

“We were fortunate and blessed that our association with the Ministry has helped many young people join the skilled work­force through hospitality training,” said Mr Gonewai.

“For the past five years we have been flooded with hospitality trainings and all were concentrated in the Western Division. We are happy that the Ministry is now fo­cusing on the Central Division giving our young people an opportunity to be part of the programme,” Mr Gonewai said.

Mr Gonewai further said that the tourism industry gives an opportunity for young people to start their own businesses like massaging booths which can be seen in ma­jor hotels along the Coral Coast.

“This training is the first step for you and many opportunities will arise. We learn more by doing things and I urge you to en­ter the job market and work hard. Success comes to those who work hard and from humble beginnings greater things can be achieved,” he told the trainees.

Aligned to the Ministry’s strategic goal to reinforce initiatives to be the ministry for all youths and build pathways to success, the training also saw the partnership with Pivot Point International which provided training on massage techniques.

Designed to empower youths with skills to a sustainable future, the training is also part of Governments commitment to an in­clusive policy for all Fijians regardless of ethnicity, social background and religious beliefs.

Source: Ministry of Youth and Sports