Govt steps in to support iTaukei students facing hardship

TheiTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) says the launch of the iTaukei Scholarship Programme is a key step toward improving educational outcomes for iTaukei students.

Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, said yesterday that the initiative marks an important effort to uplift the lives of iTaukei communities.

Fifteen students were awarded scholarships by the TLTB under the newly established iTaukei Education Scholarship Programme.

Standard of living

He said one way to raise the standard of living for indigenous landowners is by strengthening iTaukei education.

Mr Vasu acknowledged the Government’s ongoing efforts to prepare and support iTaukei students, but noted that many families continue to struggle with rising school and tertiary fees.

He said that despite existing Government assistance, some students still miss out because their parents cannot afford tuition and related expenses.

“We recognise that there are gaps where some of our children are unable to continue their studies due to financial hardship. That is why we decided to step in and assist with paying education fees, especially for those advancing to tertiary level.”

Mr Vasu said that if the iTaukei community is serious about improving its future, it must identify areas where students are getting “stuck,” particularly in sectors and professional fields where iTaukei representation remains low—often due to high education costs.

He said the scholarship programme is designed to remove those barriers and open doors to new opportunities.

The programme will continue next year.

Take responsibility

Mr Vasu also delivered a strong message to young iTaukei people, urging them to take responsibility for their future.

“We must work hard now for our future lives. We cannot continue blaming our parents and elders for everything,” he said.

“The opportunities we are given must be used wisely, because everything Fiji needs for our future starts with us, the iTaukei. If others can succeed, we iTaukei can also succeed.”