New iTaukei scholarship will benefit all iTaukei students: Vasu

The Government has made it clear that the new iTaukei Education Scholarship Framework will benefit all iTaukei students, not only those whose families have land leased through the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).

This was the message from Minister for iTaukei Affairs and TLTB Board chairperson Ifereimi Vasu during the launch of the new scholarship policy in Suva yesterday.

Mr Vasu said the programme marks a “decisive step” in empowering iTaukei communities through fair access to higher education, regardless of background.

“This scholarship is for all iTaukei,” he said. “Whether you have land leased out or not. We are all iTaukei, and only when we stand together will we be strong.”

The new framework forms part of a wider national initiative supported by the iTaukei Wealth Fund. It aims to expand opportunities for students from maritime islands, rural villages and urban areas to enter specialised fields and contribute to national development.

The scholarship includes four categories:
• Financial need support;
• Academic merit awards;
• Field-specific scholarships in engineering, healthcare, IT, agriculture, aviation and finance; and
• Work-experience scholarships for those upgrading qualifications

Successful applicants will receive full or partial financial support, along with mentorship, internships and professional development. In return, recipients must serve in Fiji for three to five years after graduation, similar to the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service system.

Mr Vasu said education remains the strongest tool for long-term progress.

“Land is our identity, but education is what gives our people the skills to shape their future and serve Fiji with confidence,” he said.

He thanked the TLTB Board, chief executive Tevita Nata and staff for developing the framework, noting that many communities had been asking for the return of an iTaukei-based scholarship for years.

“We could not wait for Government funding. We used what we had and created a policy that will help our people now,” he said.

He assured the public that the scholarship will be closely monitored once the full programme rolls out.

“This is not just a policy. It is a commitment to uplift families, strengthen communities and prepare a new generation of iTaukei leaders,” he said.

TLTB will manage the full roll-out later this year.