In a surprising turn of events, two men were among 41 individuals who recently completed training under the National Employment Centre programme. Sanjay Narain Sharma, 47, and Alivereti Tagivetaua, 33, graduated with their Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging) at a ceremony held at Calvary Temple last Friday.
This initiative is funded by the Australian Aged Care Expansion (ACE) programme, part of the broader Pacific Australia Labour and Mobility (PALM) scheme. The theoretical components of the training were provided by Alphacrucis University College, an Australian educational institution accredited by the Fijian Higher Education Commission.
Sanjay Sharma discovered his passion for caregiving while caring for his mother, who passed away in 2022. He expressed the fulfillment he derives from supporting others. “There is nothing greater than the feeling of taking care of people. I gained experience from looking after my elderly family members, especially my mother, before she passed away,” he remarked.
Alivereti Tagivetaua shared that his main challenge during the programme was completing the practical training, which was the final step before graduation. He reflected on never having the opportunity to care for his grandparents due to their early passing, stating, “This will be a good chance for me to show people the love I couldn’t give my grandparents.”
Gaayetri Prasad, the manager of Foreign Employment Services at the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, highlighted the importance of their roles, emphasizing that the trainees now represent Fiji as they embark on their journey to Australia. “As you go there, know that you are representing Fiji, and make sure to carry yourself well, because you will be gateways for others who also want to pursue this programme,” she advised.
The newly graduated caregivers are expected to embark on their employment journey next June.
Leave a comment