UniFiji, iTaukei Trust Fund Ink iTaukei Studies Partnership
Mr Taito praised the MOU for its potential to safeguard and promote the Fijian language, traditions, and cultural knowledge while also empowering indigenous communities.
Wednesday 26 February 2025 | 15:36
University of Fiji vice-chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem and iTaukei Trust Fund Board chief executive officer Aisake Taito signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Suva..
Students intending to pursue iTaukei studies at the University of Fiji (UniFiji) could do so through a scholarship by the iTaukei Trust Fund Board (iTTFB).
On Monday, the University and the iTTFB extended their partnership for another three years with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing iTaukei education through UniFiji Centre for iTaukei Studies (CIS).
Under the MOU, the iTTFB will provide two scholarships annually to students enrolled at the CIS, further solidifying the commitment to supporting iTaukei education.
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In addition, the agreement outlines the development of a revised curriculum that will integrate art, performance, culture, and resource management programmes.
These courses will be offered through UniFiji’s various schools, including the School of Business and Economics and the Department of Education in the School of Humanities and Arts.
UniFiji has also been allocated a grant in the 2024/2025 National Budget to build a new CIS facility, which will include lecture and seminar spaces, staff offices, and a gallery for exhibitions and performances.
Construction of the new building, set to begin next month, will provide the necessary facilities to support the MOU’s objectives.
The MOU was signed during a ceremony at the UniFiji Samabula campus, attended by key figures, iTTFB chief executive officer Aisake Taito, UniFiji vice-chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem, UniFiji Council members, staff and student representatives.
“This time there is much more emphasis on education, the curriculum and joint efforts towards the goals of fostering a better education structure within the Centre for iTaukei Studies, and education more broadly aligning with both our Strategic Plans,” Professor Shameem said.
“We have embarked on building our CIS new building for which the Council approved the site at Saweni on Saturday,” she said.
Mr Taito praised the MOU for its potential to safeguard and promote the Fijian language, traditions, and cultural knowledge while also empowering indigenous communities.
“This partnership will support research, documentation, and dissemination of indigenous knowledge, including Vanua institutions and social structures. It will also contribute to scholarly literature authored by indigenous researchers and provide career pathways for young people dedicated to serving their communities,” he said.
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