Fiji’s caregiving industry is poised for expansion, leveraging the inherent caregiving abilities of its people. This potential was discussed 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, a local institution dedicated to caregiving education, aims to empower Fijians to engage in this burgeoning sector. Dr. Swartika Nair, the director of the academy, highlighted that their programs are designed to equip community members with vital caregiving skills.
Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica noted that caregiving is in harmony with the Fijian cultural values of honoring and caring for the elderly and vulnerable populations. He asserted that Fijians possess a natural inclination for caregiving and, with the right support, the sector could evolve into a significant standalone industry in the nation.
“We need to diversify the Fijian economy, and we believe that the retirement caregiving sector holds great potential in Fiji,” said Kamikamica.
Dr. Nair further explained that the academy offers Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses, which are accredited by the Fiji Higher Education Commission, granting graduates national qualifications and professional credentials.
Several graduates have already joined the caregiving workforce, and new programs focusing on mental health care and manual handling skills have been implemented. These initiatives are expected to cater to a broad spectrum of needs within Fijian communities, further enriching the caregiving sector.
The re-launch of the Prestige Skills Training Academy could significantly impact both the domestic and international caregiving markets.
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