Fiji’s care-giving industry has significant potential to evolve into a standalone sector, attributed to the innate care-giving abilities of its people. This observation was made 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, recognized as a local institution providing care-giving courses, is dedicated to empowering Fijians to engage in this expanding field. Academy Director, Dr. Swartika Nair, highlighted that their programs are designed to strengthen community members by equipping them with vital care-giving skills.
Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica noted that care-giving is closely linked to Fijian cultural values, which emphasize respect and care for the elderly and vulnerable. He stated that Fijians possess a natural aptitude for care-giving, and with adequate support, this profession could thrive as a significant independent industry within the nation.
“We need to diversify the Fijian economy, and we believe that the retirement care-giving sector holds substantial potential in Fiji,” Kamikamica remarked.
Dr. Nair mentioned that the academy’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses, which are accredited by the Fiji Higher Education Commission, provide graduates with national qualifications that offer professional recognition. Several graduates have already joined the care-giving workforce, with new programs being introduced in mental health care and manual handling skills.
These specialized programs are designed to meet various community needs in Fiji, thereby enhancing the overall care-giving landscape in the country. The re-launch of the Prestige Skills Training Academy is expected to positively impact both domestic and international care-giving markets.
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