Two men recently completed training in caregiving, challenging the notion that this field is primarily for women. Sanjay Narain Sharma, 47, and Alivereti Tagivetaua, 33, were among 41 graduates from the National Employment Centre programme, receiving their Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging) during a ceremony held at the Calvary Temple.
The training initiative is funded through the Australian Aged Care Expansion (ACE) programme, a component of the Pacific Australia Labour and Mobility (PALM) scheme. The theoretical components of the training were conducted by Alphacrucis University College, an accredited Australian institution recognized by the Fijian Higher Education Commission.
Mr. Sharma discovered his passion for caregiving while caring for his mother prior to her passing in 2022. He expressed that there is no greater fulfillment than providing care for others. “I gained experience taking care of my elderly family members, especially my mother. It ignited my passion for this work,” he stated.
Mr. Tagivetaua noted that passing the practical training segment was his key challenge within the programme. He reflected on his missed opportunities to care for his grandparents, who passed away when he was too young. “This training provides me a chance to show love to the elderly that I couldn’t give to my grandparents,” he remarked.
Gaayetri Prasad, manager of Foreign Employment Services at the Ministry of Employment, reiterated the importance of their role as representatives of Fiji in Australia. “You must carry yourselves well, as you are gateways for others pursuing this programme,” she advised.
The graduates are scheduled to officially graduate next June.
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