The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is actively working to enhance the skills of school dropouts in Kadavu by training them to become qualified seafarers. Joeli Cawaki, MSAF’s CEO, discussed this initiative, which aims to equip young individuals with essential maritime skills and provide them with promising career paths.
MSAF is collaborating with various non-governmental organizations and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to facilitate training sessions for local communities in Kadavu. Cawaki mentioned that the organization has already conducted two training sessions, with plans to hold a total of nine sessions to cover all nine districts of the area. One of these training sessions saw nearly 200 attendees, signaling significant interest from the community.
The primary focus of this initiative is the youth, particularly those who have dropped out of school. Cawaki emphasized the importance of engaging this demographic, as becoming trained seafarers could lead to stable employment opportunities in Fiji’s maritime sector, which is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified seafarers.
As part of the training, participants will receive proper education and skill development from the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies, culminating in a certificate of competency that will qualify them as Fiji seafarers. Cawaki’s message to the young people of Fiji was clear: embrace the opportunity to become a seafarer and contribute to the nation’s maritime workforce.
This initiative not only aims to provide immediate job opportunities for participants but also fosters hope for the future of the youth in Fiji, showcasing a commitment to investing in their skills and livelihoods.
In summary, MSAF’s initiative is a meaningful step towards empowering the youth of Kadavu, improving their prospects and strengthening the maritime industry in Fiji. By providing training and certification, MSAF is cultivating a skilled workforce that can contribute positively to the nation’s economy and community.
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