New bakery opens pathways to skills and income for young people with disabilities

A newly commissioned bakery at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is opening opportunities for young people living with disabilities by providing practical skills, training and pathways to earning a livelihood.

Launched as part of Fiji’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the bakery was supported by Flour Mills of Fiji and Government initiatives aimed at empowering students through hands-on learning.

Opening the facility today, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the bakery represented a step towards independence and inclusion.

“This bakery gives students the skills they need to work, support their families and contribute to the community,” Ms Kiran said. “We are not giving charity; we are creating opportunities so that persons with disabilities can participate fully in society.”

NCPD executive director Sevanaia Tuiwasa said the bakery would have a direct and practical impact.

“Our students now have a space to learn baking skills, gain confidence and develop jobs that can support themselves and their families,” Mr Tuiwasa said. “We are also using this facility to reach more people living with disabilities across Fiji so they too can access training and income opportunities.”

One of the students benefiting from the programme is 19-year-old Food and Nutrition student Apikali Vunidakua.

“I feel really happy to be part of this programme,” Ms Vunidakua said. “I am learning new skills in baking and understanding how to run a small business. I hope to use these skills to help my family and maybe even open my own bakery one day.”

She said the training had also boosted her confidence.

“Before, I was shy about joining big projects, but now I feel like I can do more and achieve my goals,” she said.

The bakery will also generate income for NCPD, helping fund additional programmes for persons with disabilities. Mr Tuiwasa said proceeds from sales would be reinvested into training, equipment and expanding livelihood projects.

“This bakery is the first step, but we hope to expand into other skills training and support more income-generating projects in the future.”

The bakery is located on Brown Street, Suva.