The Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT) is undertaking an important initiative by training 18 to 19 enumerators tasked with collecting data regarding school dropout rates in various pilot locations within the province. This effort is in collaboration with Fiji National University, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, and the non-profit organization Brot für die Welt.
A two-day training session was recently held at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka to equip the enumerators for their respective roles. Ratu Meli Tora, the chairman of the Ba Provincial Council, highlighted the significance of this data collection, stating that it will aid in the execution of the Empowerment through Education project. He emphasized that school dropouts have far-reaching consequences, including rising unemployment, poverty, crime, and social inequality, and called for collective action to address this challenge.
The enumerators will conduct a thorough investigation to gauge the extent of the dropout issue and develop tailored solutions that cater to the specific needs of each community. The initiative aims not only to reintegrate children back into the education system but also to restore hope and dignity, paving the way for a brighter future. Ratu Meli stressed the importance of education as a fundamental right that shapes resilient communities and prosperous provinces.
He expressed the commitment of the Ba Provincial Council to collaborate closely with the SSViT, community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this project. The initiative is designed to facilitate pathways for 200 boys and girls from the three pilot districts of Savatu, Sabeto, and Naviti in Yasawa, connecting them with service providers, vocational training centers, and universities.
By incorporating this issue into their strategic plan for 2023 to 2026, the Soqosoqo Vakamarama ko Ba is taking a proactive approach to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for the youth in the province.
This initiative brings a hopeful outlook for the future, as it promises not only to address the immediate issues of school dropouts but also to create sustainable systems that enhance educational access and success for the children in these communities.
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