The Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) is set to bolster vocational training through the establishment of 16 new centers across Fiji’s northern and western divisions. Aporosa Silatolu, the director of CATD, announced that the Higher Education Commission has given the green light for these new sites, aimed at improving access to technical training for rural students and mitigating school dropout rates.
In line with this plan, a funding request amounting to $3.8 million has been put forth to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to finance the initial phase, which will focus on inaugurating one center in the north and another in the west. To help minimize costs, CATD is collaborating closely with local churches and community partners to identify and utilize existing facilities that may need renovation for the training programs.
The centers will offer courses in essential skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and agriculture, reinforcing the importance of technical education for employability within the regional labor market. This expansion comes on the heels of CATD’s recent success in graduating 113 students with nationally recognized qualifications—a noteworthy achievement reflecting the institution’s commitment to empowering its students.
Silatolu emphasized that initiatives like the new training centers are pivotal to fostering employment opportunities for youth, especially amid rising unemployment rates. This illustrates a strong commitment not only to education but also to holistic community development by equipping individuals with vital skills necessary for sustainable livelihoods.
Overall, this initiative speaks volumes about CATD’s proactive approach in responding to the educational and economic needs of the community, which is a hopeful sign of progress as Fiji works towards greater employment solutions for its youth. The anticipated rollout of these training centers has the potential to transform lives by opening pathways to various trades and ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth and stability.
Leave a comment