Fifteen iTaukei youths have proudly become the inaugural recipients of the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) Education Scholarship, a significant national initiative aimed at providing equitable access to higher education for iTaukei students. This scholarship is backed by the iTaukei Wealth Fund and seeks to ensure that individuals from maritime, rural, and urban communities can pursue their academic ambitions without barriers.
Launched in late 2022, the scholarship targets iTaukei applicants who showcase a commitment to education, demonstrate financial need, exhibit leadership potential, and participate in community or national development initiatives. Importantly, the program is also designed to exclude candidates who are receiving support from other schemes like the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS).
The initiative distinguishes itself by offering a variety of scholarships based on financial need, merit, specific fields of study, and relevant work experience in priority sectors. Key areas of focus include engineering, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, business, information technology, finance, and land resource management. Recipients will benefit from various forms of support, including tuition assistance, mentorship, internship opportunities, and structured pathways into targeted industries. After completing their studies, awardees are required to work in Fiji for a period of three to five years, contributing to the local economy and addressing skill shortages.
During a ceremonial event, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka personally presented the awards and praised the TLTB for their role in fostering opportunities for career growth among the iTaukei community. He encouraged the young scholars to maximize the benefits of the scholarship to ensure their personal success.
“Chiefs and landowners of TLTB-managed lands have generously pledged a portion of their earnings to help establish this scholarship program. I urge you all to use it well,” he emphasized.
In line with the program’s goals, TLTB Chief Executive Officer, Solomone Nata, stated that the initiative aims to rectify the current shortage of skilled workers within the organization, thus enhancing operational capabilities in critical fields.
This scholarship marks a hopeful step toward empowering the iTaukei youth, equipping them with the tools needed to excel in their chosen professions while simultaneously contributing to the development of Fiji’s workforce.
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