The iTaukei Land Trust Board has launched a new initiative, the iTaukei Education Scholarship Programme, awarding scholarships to 15 students. This program aims to enhance educational opportunities for iTaukei landowners, marking a decisive step toward fostering long-term development within the community.
During the presentation ceremony, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized that this initiative is pivotal for building capacity among the iTaukei people. He highlighted that authentic and enduring prosperity arises not only from land management but also from investing in human resources. The scholarship is particularly aimed at expanding access to quality education and professional training, especially for landowners who face financial burdens.
This inaugural cohort of scholarship recipients will focus on six critical fields: Aircraft Engineering, Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, Commercial Pilot Training, Land Surveying, and MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). These areas were strategically chosen to align with Fiji’s national development priorities, touching on sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, aviation, and science.
Prime Minister Rabuka underscored that these selected disciplines reflect a forward-thinking approach, equipping professionals who can significantly contribute to the country’s resilience and growth. He reminded the scholarship winners that they bear not just their own aspirations, but also the hopes of their families and communities.
Moreover, he encouraged them to uphold values of excellence, integrity, and commitment to service, reinforcing that their successes will symbolize progress for the wider iTaukei population. The TLTB has pledged its ongoing support throughout the recipients’ academic journeys.
One notable recipient, fifth-year medical student Rebekah Salailagi Caucau, pursuing her MBBS at the Fiji School of Medicine, shared her experience of overcoming financial hardships in her quest for education. She expressed that the scholarship has alleviated her family’s financial strain and reignited her determination to complete her medical training. Caucau conveyed her gratitude for the opportunity, which she believes will strengthen her resolve to serve her community in the future.
The establishment of the iTaukei Education Scholarship Programme not only provides immediate relief for students but also represents a hopeful investment in the future of the iTaukei community, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals dedicated to national development.
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