The Fiji National University Foundation has officially launched with a vision to address educational inequality and provide brighter prospects for underprivileged students. According to Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, the foundation will serve as a crucial pathway for children from disadvantaged backgrounds who face barriers in accessing tertiary education.
Professor Nabobo-Baba expressed her deep concern for the escalating student debt burden when she joined FNU in 2023, making it her mission to support students in need. She believes that giving individuals opportunities to participate in education leads to community enrichment and equity.
Former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who attended the launch, expressed confidence in the foundation’s potential impact on the educational landscape of Fiji. He stated, “This initiative will be an instrumental contribution to the holistic development and education of our people now and well into the future.”
Both the Vice-Chancellor and Ratu Wiliame highlighted the potential of these students to excel when provided with opportunities. Emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to fostering equity in education, they reiterated the importance of enabling individuals to dream big, build their futures, and eventually contribute positively to society.
This initiative aligns with previous outreach efforts by FNU, which have focused on expanding educational access to students in remote regions such as the Kadavu and Lomaiviti groups. Recent application drives aimed at breaking geographical barriers have received positive feedback from local educators, demonstrating the university’s ongoing dedication to empowerment through education.
The launch of the Fiji National University Foundation not only promises to uplift disadvantaged students but also contributes to a brighter educational future for all. This reflects a growing understanding of the critical role education plays in personal and community development.
In essence, with the support of the foundation and ongoing outreach initiatives, the hopes for an equitable education in Fiji are being cultivated, fostering an environment where all students can thrive.
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