Your Dreams are Worth Pursuing!

Bula vinaka and welcome to another month!

I am deeply honoured to address you as the Acting Vice- Chancellor of the Fiji National University (FNU) in the September edition of the FNUNIKUA. It is a privilege to share a vision that encapsulates the essence of our institution- ‘‘Unlock your Dreams with FNU.’’

I am excited about the journey that lies ahead for each one of you. ‘‘Unlock Your Dreams with FNU’’ is not just a theme; it’s an invitation to embark on a transformative educational experience. Let’s work together to make this academic year a stepping-stone towards a brighter future, both for yourselves and for the world.

It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of purpose that I address you today, embracing the theme for this month - ‘‘Unlock Your Dreams with FNU.’’ The journey of education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it’s a path to realising your aspirations and dreams. At FNU, we firmly believe that education should be the key that unlocks the doors to your most cherished goals.

In pursuing your dreams, you are not only shaping your own future but also contributing to the betterment of our beloved Fiji and the world at large. Each one of you brings a unique set of talents, perspectives, and ambitions, and it is my hope that during your time at FNU, you will have the opportunity to harness these qualities to their fullest potential.

To ‘‘Unlock Your Dreams with FNU’’ means to embrace the challenges that lie ahead with unwavering determination and resilience. It means pursuing your studies with dedication and passion, knowing that every lesson, every project, and every interaction on campus is a stepping-stone towards your goals.

As the Acting Vice-Chancellor, I assure you that FNU is committed to providing you with the best possible learning environment, equipped with resources, guidance, and support to help you on your journey. We are here to empower you to unlock your dreams, whether they involve groundbreaking research, transformative innovation, or making a positive impact on your community.

Remember, your dreams are worth pursuing. They are the driving force that propels you forward, even when faced with challenges. It is through education that you gain the tools and knowledge necessary to transform those dreams into reality.

Open Day 2023

I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities that FNU offers at our Open Day events in the first week of October that will serve as a prime opportunity for us to showcase the diverse worlds within our university, engage with your professors and peers, and actively participate in extracurricular activities that align with your passions. Together, we can create an environment where dreams flourish and ambitions are achieved.

Prospective students, their families, and the wider community will have the chance to explore our academic programmes and research initiatives and engage with our faculty and students. It is a day to celebrate our collective achievements and share our vision for the future, which is to turn your dreams into reality.

I encourage collaboration across disciplines during Open Day and beyond. The challenges facing our world are multifaceted, and the solutions often lie at the intersection of different fields. Let us break down the silos that sometimes limit our creativity and work together to address the pressing issues of our time.

The FNU 2023 Open Day will be held at the Naduna Campus, Labasa, from October 5-6, Nasinu Campus, Suva, from October 6-7, Namaka Campus, Nadi and Natabua Campus in Lautoka on October 6.

Prospective students and those interested can stay updated regarding the FNU 2023 Open Day by following the University’s FNU website and the official social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Office of the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar Series- Pacific Elders’ Voice

FNU was honoured to host Pacific Elders’ Voice (PEV) members at a seminar recently. Respected Pacific Island leaders such as Dr Hilda Heine, Professor Robert Underwood, His Excellency Anote Tong, Ambassador Kaliopate Tavola and Professor Konai Helu Thaman spoke at the session on Leadership for a Sustainable Pacific.

They held robust discussions on climate change, regional politics, nuclear impact and the role of indigenous language and culture. We also heard from our esteemed FNU Students’ Association President, Mohammed Iqbal, and representatives Rahul Chand, Margaret Gabriel and Setaita Suka at the seminar.

The seminar was a very special time in the Pacific, since we are dealing with a few issues that I believe our elders helped us in addressing as they are the voice of reason! They are here to tell us that in the Pacific we have a high-impact group. A group that is tasked with watching, helping, advising, and supporting leaders of today to lead. These are the leaders and elders who continue to put up their hands to speak on our behalf.

TVET Free Course Graduation Ceremony

TVET courses are a beacon of hope and a pathway to a better future. 151 students recently graduated from free short course training in Domestic Electrical Installation, Basic Screen Printing, Basic Cookery, Small Engine Repair and Household and Sanitary Plumbing courses.

The Free Short Course training was conducted by our TVET Pasifika in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. FNU provided short course training for street dwellers, street kids and residents of squatter and informal settlements at the TVET Centre at Robertson Road in Suva in September.

These courses provide individuals with practical skills and knowledge, enabling them to secure stable employment and improve their quality of life, and by offering free TVET courses to street kids and marginalised communities, we are not just providing education; we are breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming lives.

These graduates can further their interests in their chosen field at our TVET Centre, and attain a Certificate of Attainment upon a successful completion of a Practical Assessment from September 25-29.

Pacific Island Health Research Symposium

The Pacific Island Health Research Symposium (PIHRS) was also a significant milestone for FNU. The Symposium was delivered under the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research (FIPHR), the research arm of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS). The Symposium was co-funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) via the Pacific Community’s (SPC) PacEVIPP Project.

The theme for this year’s symposium was ‘Bridging the Policy Gaps: Pacific Health Evidence to inform Pacific Health Decisions’ and saw over 215 participants, 68 oral presentations, 30 posters and three keynote addresses and five panel discussions.

CMNHS aimed to bring together young, as well as seasoned researchers, mentors, academic institutions, government ministries and partners to learn new evidence and to form stronger partnerships for future meaningful research that will direct the Pacific’s development and decision-making.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the faculty, staff, and students for your dedication and hard work. Your unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge is what makes our University exceptional. Let us continue to uphold the values of excellence and integrity that define us. Let us embark on this exciting journey of discovery and transformation!

Vinaka

Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba

Acting Vice-Chancellor

*FNU NIKUA LIFTOUT Issue No.9 September 2023*