Five Free Bird Institute students departed Fiji’s shores last Saturday for Japan. They will undergo a technical exam and upon passing they can secure a visa to work in Japan for five years.

They are: Luca Vakatawa, Caroline Delaimalumu, Anakeleto Tawake, Joji Bendito and Leisi Atama. Free Bird Institute chief executive officer, Hiroshi Taniguchi, said the people of Fiji had given many opportunities to the Japanese students to overcome their shyness and learn something important to make decisions in their lives.

Mr Taniguchi said in return he intended to do the same for Fijian youths. He said he opened the opportunity for the youths to travel to Japan to get exposure in a different country and to also make life changing decisions.

“I have observed that the people in Fiji are good but their view is narrow, they should be given overseas exposure and see Fiji from outside the country to be able to re-design it,” Mr Taniguchi said.

“Once the Japanese Government signs an agreement for a Working Holiday Scheme, many Fiji nationals can go and work in Japan for two years just after finishing their secondary school education.”

Mr Taniguchi, who is also a provisional candidate for the National Federation Party, said it was an idea he would adopt when given a place in Parliament.

“Fiji is experiencing serious brain drain as more and more of our youths are migrating overseas for greener pastures,” he said.

He plans to create programmes which will enable more Fijian youths to give back to their country.

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