Students interested in studying iTaukei subjects at the University of Fiji (UniFiji) have a significant opportunity to benefit from scholarships provided by the iTaukei Trust Fund Board (iTTFB). Recently, the two institutions expanded their partnership with a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing iTaukei education through the Centre for iTaukei Studies (CIS).
Under this MOU, the iTTFB will award two scholarships annually to students enrolled in the CIS, reinforcing their dedication to improving education for iTaukei students. The agreement also includes plans for a revamped curriculum that will incorporate subjects such as art, performance, culture, and resource management, expanding course offerings across various faculties including the School of Business and Economics and the Department of Education.
In a further commitment to development, UniFiji is set to receive support from the 2024/2025 National Budget to construct a new CIS facility, which will encompass lecture halls, seminar spaces, staff offices, and exhibition galleries. Construction is planned to begin next month, aligning with the goals established in the MOU.
The signing ceremony at UniFiji’s Samabula campus saw the attendance of key figures, including iTTFB CEO Aisake Taito and UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem, along with council members, faculty, and students. Professor Shameem emphasized the renewed emphasis on educational and curriculum development within the CIS and expressed enthusiasm over the newly approved building site.
Mr. Taito highlighted the MOU’s vital role in the preservation and promotion of the Fijian language and cultural practices, as well as its potential to empower indigenous communities. He noted that this collaboration would foster research and documentation of indigenous knowledge while creating new career opportunities for young people committed to their communities.
This initiative embodies a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to education that respects cultural heritage while equipping future generations with the tools they need to thrive. The University of Fiji is setting an example of how traditional knowledge can intertwine with modern educational practices to foster both cultural preservation and academic growth.
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