Sangam Nursing secures TAFE partnership as aged care programme put on hold

The Higher Education Commission of Fiji (HECF) has paused the aged care course to review its content and assess the value of the qualification.

Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam College of Nursing and Health Care Education academic board chairperson Amraiya Naidu revealed this during the college’s graduation ceremony at the Civic Centre in Labasa today.

Mr Naidu told the gathering that thousands of students held aged care certificates but had limited employment prospects.

However, he said 55 Sangam students with the qualification had been recruited under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and were now employed in various aged care facilities in Australia.

“Whilst the commission was reviewing the programme, the Sangam College of Nursing worked on a partnership arrangement with TAFE Queensland to teach the Australian Certificate III in Individual Support,” Mr Naidu said.
“We are pleased to share that the commission has endorsed our programme for TAFE Queensland to deliver the course in collaboration with Sangam Nursing.”

Government grant

Mr Naidu said the college was grateful to the coalition government for allocating $1 million in the 2024–2025 national budget for the construction of a new 194-seat lecture theatre, which is now ready for use.

“In addition to the funding for infrastructure development, the commission contributed a $545,939.51 grant in the current financial year to support teaching and learning at the college,” he said.

“We are immensely grateful for this level of support, noting that the college previously received $114,411 annually under the former government.”

114 students graduate

The chief guest, Higher Education Commission of Fiji director Eci Naisele, witnessed the graduation of 100 Bachelor of Nursing Science students and 14 Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery students.

He said the completion of the new theatre symbolised growth and would provide future cohorts with a modern and conducive learning environment.

“Nursing is more than a profession; it’s a calling, one that demands not only skill and knowledge but also compassion, empathy and integrity,” Mr Naisele said.

He reminded graduates that every patient they care for will look to them not only for treatment but for reassurance, comfort and hope.