Life took a positive spin for three men, who’ve called the streets of Suva their home, for the most part of their youth.  

Ratu Jale Vukailagi, 37, Simione Bakani, 42, and Tuisani Toaisi, 47, received certificates in Electrical Installation and Wiring, and Small Engineer Repair.  

For one week, the three were part of a group of five individuals who received practical skills from the Fiji National University’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme (TVET).  

TVET programmes are also one of the solutions the Ministry of Education (MOE) is looking at to help address the poor literacy and numeracy levels in secondary schools.  

For Ratu Vukailagi, the one-week training is a lifetime investment, because he hopes to one day have his own family. From living an idle life, Mr Vukailagi now has a reason to pursue his dreams.  

“I now have the knowledge I need to at least begin somewhere with fixing electrical stuff like electrical wiring and fixing motor engines,” he said.  

“I have high hopes about what I’m doing now because as I start a family, I know his will help support my family.”  

Mr Toaisi was ecstatic. It never crossed his mind that he would one day walk the aisle to receive a certificate.  

“For some time, I had been in the street, doing absolutely nothing,” he said.  

Mr Bakani said this was a steppingstone as he tries to escape the street life. FNU acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said providing free TVET courses was a form of breaking poverty cycle and transforming lives.  

“We are giving marginalised youth the opportunity to acquire skills that make them employable, fostering their self-esteem, and enabling them to contribute positively to society,” she said.  

The graduates were thankful to the Ahava Project Fiji for opening doors of opportunities for the street dwellers.  

Ministry of Education  

MOE is working with the Fiji Higher Education Commission and related training institutions to conduct a skills survey to assess the needs and identify weaknesses of all the industries in Fiji.  

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro said the findings would set the framework for relevant TVET programmes to attract students.  

This was highlighted by Mr.Radrodro when questioned by the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, on the measures being undertaken to enhance the quality and accessibility of TVET.

Mr.Radrodro said the education curriculum had undergone various changes over the years.

“The Ministry of Education is working with relevant stakeholders to enhance the quality of TVET by revising the curriculum of all the programmes under this umbrella,” he said. 

Story By: Beranadeta Nagatalevu 

Feedback: beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj