In a groundbreaking departure from traditional perceptions of caregiving, two men have successfully trained under the National Employment Centre’s program, becoming part of a cohort that recently graduated with their Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging) at Calvary Temple. Sanjay Narain Sharma, 47, and Alivereti Tagivetaua, 33, joined 41 others in this remarkable achievement, marking a significant moment in the inclusive evolution of the caregiving profession.
This initiative is funded by the Australian Aged Care Expansion (ACE) program, which is part of the broader Pacific Australia Labour and Mobility (PALM) scheme. The theoretical portion of the training was provided by Alphacrucis University College, an educational institution recognized by the Fijian Higher Education Commission.
For Mr. Sharma, caregiving is more than a career; it is a heartfelt calling that emerged during his time caring for his mother until her passing in 2022. He expressed a profound sense of fulfillment in providing care, driven by his personal experiences with aging family members.
“I gained the experience from taking care of my other family members who are old. I found passion when I took care of my own mother before she passed away two years back,” he shared. Mr. Sharma expressed his commitment to representing Fiji well in his future endeavors in Australia.
Mr. Tagivetaua found his path to caregiving more challenging, particularly during the practical training components of the program, citing his lack of opportunity to care for his grandparents due to their passing when he was young. “This will be a good chance for me to show people the love I couldn’t give my grandparents,” he noted.
Gaayetri Prasad, manager of Foreign Employment Services with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, commended the trainees, emphasizing their role as ambassadors for Fiji upon their arrival in Australia. “As you go there, know that you are representing Fiji, and make sure to carry yourself well because you will be gateways for others who also want to pursue this program,” she advised.
This graduation marks not just the end of their training, but a hopeful beginning for Mr. Sharma and Mr. Tagivetaua as they prepare for their futures in aged care, with their graduation scheduled for June next year.
As caregiving continues to evolve, such stories highlight the increasing diversity within the profession, paving the way for more inclusive representations in caring roles. The experiences of these individuals could inspire others to consider caregiving as a viable and fulfilling career path, regardless of gender.
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