In a heartwarming graduation ceremony, Leone Niumataiwalu, 42, of Sabeto Village in Nadi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to transform his life after completing a course in Tour Guiding Fundamentals at the Fiji National University Namaka campus. He was among 46 graduates, primarily young individuals who had faced hardships, who were sponsored by the Ministry of Youth and Sports for this two-day training.
“This day marks a new chapter for us youths, and we are really grateful,” Mr. Niumataiwalu stated, highlighting the significance of the program in turning around the lives of those who once found themselves on the streets.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, officiated the event and praised the graduates for their resilience, emphasizing the transformative power of opportunity and training. “You stand here as proof that resilience and opportunity can change lives,” he noted. The minister highlighted the collaborative efforts of the head of School for Tourism, Hospitality and Travel at Fiji National University and her team in equipping the youths with essential skills in barbering, baking, and tour guiding.
Mr. Saukuru also shared promising news: among the 46 graduates, nine have secured full-time jobs, while others are still in probation or training phases. Eight youths are working part-time at Tiko, and two have chosen to further their education with a five-month agricultural production course at the Nasau Youth Training Centre. This initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to empower marginalized youths through various training programs designed based on specific needs.
This graduation underlines a broader movement within Fiji aimed at uplifting vulnerable populations. Similar prior initiatives have shown that when communities come together to support young individuals through training and education, they not only help them secure employment but also contribute to a more resilient society.
The ceremony served as a hopeful reminder that with the right support and opportunities, even those facing significant challenges can achieve a brighter future. Through programs like these, the Fijian government is fostering a culture of empowerment, providing these young individuals with the skills they need to become contributing members of their communities.
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