The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is launching an initiative to equip school dropouts, particularly from Kadavu, with essential skills to become proficient seafarers. MSAF’s CEO, Joeli Cawaki, announced that the program aims to provide young people with valuable maritime skills, leading to potential career opportunities in Fiji’s maritime industry.
The initiative includes partnerships with non-governmental organizations and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to facilitate comprehensive training sessions for local communities in Kadavu. Cawaki indicated that MSAF plans to conduct nine training sessions across the nine districts, having already completed two successful training events, one of which attracted nearly 200 attendees.
The primary focus of the program is to engage the youth, especially those who have dropped out of school, providing them with pathways to stable employment. With a current shortage of trained seafarers in Fiji, Cawaki encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunity to achieve certification that qualifies them as Fiji seafarers.
MSAF is collaborating closely with the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies to ensure participants receive the right education and skills training. Those who complete the program will be awarded a certificate of competency that signifies their readiness to work as seafarers in Fiji.
This initiative is a hopeful step toward empowering the youth of Fiji, transforming their futures, and addressing the country’s demand for skilled maritime professionals. By focusing on developing local talent, MSAF is not only enhancing individuals’ career prospects but also contributing to the growth of Fiji’s maritime industry and community resilience.
In summary, this program promotes skill development for youth in Kadavu, opens doors for them in the maritime sector, and aims to bolster Fiji’s workforce sustainability.
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