Nineteen-year-old Aaron Sydney Valentine was full of excitement and enthusiasm as he commenced his first-year studies at the Fiji National University’s (FNU), Natabua Campus, in Lautoka yesterday.

Mr Valentine began classes at the Nawere-levu lecture theatre.

The former Swami Vivekananda College school student said joining FNU to pursue the programme Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Home Economics was his childhood dream.

He hoped to encourage and influence more male students to take up Home Economics which in society is considered by many as a domestic science meant for females.

“As a budding home economics teacher, I would like to inspire and encourage students, especially males, to learn about food, good nutrition and clothing and textiles,” Mr Valentine said.

“People think that the course is exclusive for girls, that is not true.

“We are living in an era where skill acquisition is now the trend, the more skill one has, the better for the individual and the country at large.”

The Nadi lad said his mother encouraged him to pursue studies at FNU because of the blend of theoretical learning and practical experiences.

“My mother has been my pillar of strength and has always backed me to follow my dreams,” he said.

“She has encouraged me to follow in my sister’s footsteps, a graduate in Sports Science from FNU.

“My mum taught me by studying Home Economics, we males will be better equipped for every situation in terms of knowledge, attitude and day-to-day skills.

“I lost my father when I was six years old, and my mother from a young age taught me that housekeeping is not a female work alone, but for both genders and home-keeping is a lifelong thing that all should embrace,” he said.

Valentine said that he has experienced how the teaching profession has changed due to COVID-19 and is looking forward to learning the new concepts relating to online teaching methodology at FNU.

Meanwhile, enrolment for Semester 1 has been extended to 12 March 2021. Students will not be charged any late enrolment fee.

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