Fiji’s care-giving sector is poised to develop into a significant independent industry, leveraging the innate care-giving abilities of its people. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Manoa Kamikamica, made this statement during the re-launch of the Prestige Skills Training Academy.
The Prestige Skills Training Academy, a local institution offering care-giving courses, aims to empower Fijians to engage in this expanding field. Dr. Swartika Nair, the academy’s director, noted that their programs are designed to enhance community skills by providing essential care-giving training.
Kamikamica pointed out that care-giving aligns closely with Fijian cultural values, emphasizing respect and care for the elderly and vulnerable. He underscored the natural talent Fijians possess for caregiving and stated that, with proper support, this sector could flourish in the nation.
“We need to diversify the Fijian economy, and we believe that the retirement care-giving sector has great potential in Fiji,” Kamikamica remarked.
Dr. Nair also highlighted that the academy’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses, accredited by the Fiji Higher Education Commission, grant graduates national qualifications, providing them with valuable professional recognition. Many graduates have already joined the care-giving workforce, with recent programs introduced in mental health care and manual handling skills.
These specialized programs are anticipated to meet a diverse range of community needs, subsequently enriching the care-giving landscape in Fiji. The re-launch of the Prestige Skills Training Academy is expected to benefit both the domestic and international care-giving markets.
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