Empowering Futures: Fiji’s New Job Discovery Program for Students with Disabilities

A new initiative called the Job Discovery Program has been launched to address the employment challenges faced by students living with disabilities in Fiji. This program aims to provide ten students from the Fiji Vocational Technical Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities with structured opportunities to enter the workforce for the first time.

Nina Tacavou, the lead for the program initiative, emphasized the difficulties encountered by many students with disabilities. Many of them tend to leave school early, particularly at the primary level, due to inadequate access to inclusive secondary education, resulting in a shift towards vocational training. Tacavou noted that, although vocational schools have historically made attempts to support students in gaining employment, they have faced problems with job retention and sustainability. A strong, organized pathway for these students is currently lacking, which complicates their transition into the workplace.

The initiative is part of broader efforts similar to other programs in Fiji focused on enhancing vocational training and industry exposure. For instance, the collaboration between Imagine Fiji TV and Fiji National University offers students practical skills through real-world industry experiences. This enhances their qualifications and employability, as emphasized in previously mentioned initiatives. The recent joinings of interns at South Sea Towage Limited from Nadave Technical School also highlight the successful outcomes of such employment initiatives.

These efforts underline a growing recognition of the importance of practical training and employment opportunities for young people in Fiji. As these programs evolve and become more inclusive, they have the potential to pave the way for a more equitable job market, helping all youth, including those with disabilities, to secure sustainable employment.

In a hopeful move forward, the Job Discovery Program represents a significant step in bridging the employment gap for students with disabilities while echoing the ongoing commitment of various organizations in Fiji to empower all learners, ensuring that their skills and talents are fully utilized in the workforce.