Kumari Eyes Caregiving Success

Simran Silvia Kumari, 22, urges those hoping to study caregiving courses to firstly ensure that they have patience.

This is because they would be dealing with elderly or disabled clients.

The mother of two graduated with a Certificate in the Basics of Caregiving from the University of the South Pacific’s Lautoka Campus on Tuesday.

Ms Kumari said the three weeks training covered a range of topics which she found interesting.

“I took up this course because I think it’s a great opportunity for me to migrate for my kids,” she said.

“The course was interesting. There were 11 units which were two units per day when we had classes. I plan to upgrade my qualification at USP and then I plan to migrate to New Zealand. I have family there,” she said.

“I did my practical at Koroipita. It was interesting because we were given a client each to look after. Mine was around 72 years old. My advice to other young women is to be patient with clients because you are dealing with elderly people. It’s really hard to handle elderly people because they have difficulty in hearing.”

While officiating as chief guest, the Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru said the event signified youth empowerment.

Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru (sitting fourth from left) with graduates of the University of the South Pacific’s Caregiving Course at the Lautoka Campus on June 25,2024. Photo: Fijian Government

“Youths from 15 different youth clubs have come together to acquire valuable skills to enable them to make positive impact in their community. Today (Tuesday) we will celebrate the accomplishments of 28 different young individuals from 15 youth clubs registered with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. These youth clubs include Natabua, Vakatora Pubic Rental Board, Natawarau Youth Club, Vanuakula Youth Club, Teidamu Youth Club, Naviyago Youth Club, Koroipita Youth Club, Lovu Stars Youth Club, Nayaqali Youth Club, Namatoka Youth Club, Namoli Youth Club, Tububere Youth Club, Tabua Nakete Youth Club, Navutu Youth Club and Ilami Youth Club,” he said.

Mr Saukuru said graduates had spent the past three weeks learning essential caregiving skills such as patient-care, medication management and communication.

“These skills will not only enhance your employability, but also enable you to deliver high quality care to those in need. This training programme has been designed to address the growing need for skilled caregivers in Fiji. They recognise that caring for our elderly and vulnerable population was crucial for improving their quality of life and promoting social cohesion within our communities,” he said.

“As trained caregivers, you play a vital role in providing support to those who need it most. Your training has equipped you with the skills to secure jobs as professional caregivers, locally and internationally. This can help address unemployment rates among youths and provide a stable source of income for you.”

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