Fiji’s care-giving industry has significant potential to evolve into a standalone sector, attributed to the intrinsic care-giving abilities of the Fijian people. This perspective was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Manoa Kamikamica, during the re-launch of the Prestige Skills Training Academy.
The Prestige Skills Training Academy serves as one of Fiji’s local institutions dedicated to offering care-giving courses aimed at empowering citizens to participate in this burgeoning field. Dr. Swartika Nair, the academy’s director, highlighted the objective of their programs to enhance community members by equipping them with vital care-giving skills.
Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica pointed out that care-giving is in alignment with Fijian cultural principles, which emphasize respect and care for the elderly and vulnerable. He stressed that Fijians possess a natural aptitude for care-giving, suggesting that, with the right support, this area could transform into a significant independent industry within the nation.
Kamikamica remarked, “We need to diversify the Fijian economy, and we believe that the retirement care-giving sector holds great potential in Fiji.” Dr. Nair elaborated that the academy’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses are accredited by the Fiji Higher Education Commission, enabling graduates to attain national qualifications and professional credibility.
Numerous graduates have already joined the care-giving workforce, with the introduction of new programs in mental health care and manual handling skills. These specialized offerings aim to meet the diverse needs present in Fiji’s communities, contributing to the overall enhancement of the country’s care-giving sector.
The re-launch of the Prestige Skills Training Academy is seen as a strategic move to bolster both the domestic and international care-giving markets.
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