Every year, around 5,000 to 6,000 secondary school leavers in Fiji become “lost to the system,” according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka. Speaking at a graduation ceremony, he highlighted that out of an estimated 17,000 students who leave secondary schools annually, only 12,000 to 13,000 manage to find a place in mainstream education. This gap signifies a troubling trend where a significant number of youths are left waiting for opportunities.
To address this challenge, Gavoka commended the ServicePro International Tourism and Hospitality Institute (SITHI) for its efforts in training school leavers to meet the demands of the burgeoning tourism and hospitality sectors. The current tourism workforce requirement, based on monthly arrivals of about 75,000 tourists, underscores the necessity for skilled manpower, indicating a necessity for the training of up to 105,000 individuals in varied job roles to support this thriving industry.
Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister elaborated on how SITHI was established as a support structure, especially for those who dropped out of mainstream education, offering them a chance to reintegrate and acquire skills. He noted that the institute has applied for government funding to enhance its infrastructure and is set to receive a grant of $100,000 starting next year.
This initiative reflects a larger commitment towards fostering an educational environment that is responsive to the needs of both students and the job market in Fiji. Addressing the gap in youth employment can lead to a decrease in unemployment rates and help in the overall development of the nation.
The concerted efforts to bring more students back into the education system showcase hope for a more stable future, not just for those young individuals but for the progress and economic growth of Fiji as a whole. This aligns with ongoing government discussions and initiatives focusing on creating more inclusive educational pathways for those who have previously faced barriers to their academic continuity, echoing sentiments expressed by various educational leaders about the pressing need for reform and support in Fiji’s educational landscape.
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