Proposed Naweni centre to offer technical training for students

The Cakaudrove Provincial Council Education Committee plans to establish a vocational training centre in Naweni, providing technical education opportunities for students who are not academically inclined.

The proposal was revealed at the recent council meeting at Korotasere Village, where district representatives endorsed the plan.

Committee chairman Albert Soderberg said similar centres once operated in rural communities before being relocated to urban areas.

"That move disrupted the existing system, but now we are trying to rebuild it," Mr Soderberg said.

"The decision to move these centres to Labasa created challenges for students from rural villages. Some were not treated well, while others had to pay rent while studying.

"So why not decentralise the centres and allow students to stay at home with their families? They can remain in Naweni and complete their training here. Two to three years of study can provide them with the qualifications they need to find employment."

Addressing drug concerns

Mr Soderberg said the continued prevalence of drugs in Naweni was another reason for establishing the vocational centre.

"We have a lot of drug problems in Naweni. Idle minds are vulnerable, so this gives our young people another pathway to education and employment."

He said the proposed centre would operate alongside the existing school curriculum.

"The plan is that once students reach Year 11, we can offer a hybrid education model," Mr Soderberg said.

"We will continue with the normal academic curriculum, while students who are not academically inclined will have the option of pursuing technical studies.

"Academic and technical subjects will run concurrently in Year 11 so that students who struggle academically in Year 12 will already have exposure to a trade that they can pursue."

Mr Soderberg said millions of dollars in funding would be needed to establish and operate the centre.