Men find footing in caregiving programme
“I gained the experience from taking care of my other family members who are old, I found passion when I took care of my own mother before she passed away two years back,” Mr Sharma said.
Monday 28 October 2024 | 15:37
Graduates of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging) course at the Calvary Temple on October 26, 2024. Photo: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
While many would think that caregiving is just for women, two men were part of the 41 who recently trained under the National Employment Centre programme.
Sanjay Narain Sharma, 47 and Alivereti Tagivetaua, 33, were part of the third cohort that graduated with their Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging) at the Calvary Temple last Friday.
The project is funded by the Australian Aged Care Expansion (ACE) programme, as part of the Pacific Australia Labour and Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Related stories
The theory training is conducted by the Alphacrucis University College (AC), an Australian education provider recognised and registered by Fijian Higher Education Commission (FHEC).
Mr Sharma found his passion for caregiving while taking care of his mother before she passed away in 2022.
Mr Sharma said there was nothing greater than the feeling of taking care of people.
“I gained the experience from taking care of my other family members who are old, I found passion when I took care of my own mother before she passed away two years back,” Mr Sharma said.
From left: Alivereti Tagivetaua, Zaine Wadee and Sanjay Narain Sharma at the celebrations at the Calvary Temple in Suva. Photo: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
“Through the National Employment Centre programme, I know I will on and represent Fiji well.”
Mr Tagivetaua said the biggest challenge for him was passing the practical training, the last part of the programme before graduating.
“I never got the chance to take care of my grandparents because I was still too little when they passed on,” he said.
“This will be a good chance for me to show people the love I couldn’t give my grandparents.”
Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace relation’s manager Foreign Employment Services, Gaayetri Prasad while acknowledging the trainees said they were now representatives of Fiji when they get to Australia.
“As you go there, know that you are representing Fiji, and make sure to carry yourself well, because you will be gateways for others who also want to pursue this programme,” she said.
They will graduate next June.
Feedback: Beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj
