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. According to CEO Joeli Cawaki, this initiative is designed to equip young individuals with essential maritime skills and open up new career opportunities.
To achieve this goal, MSAF is collaborating with non-governmental organizations and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to conduct training sessions within local communities in Kadavu. They have already completed two training sessions and plan to hold nine in total to cover each of the nine districts in Kadavu. Remarkably, one training session saw nearly 200 participants.
Cawaki emphasized that the primary focus is on engaging the youth, especially those who have dropped out of school. He believes that becoming skilled seafarers can significantly improve their employment prospects in a maritime nation like Fiji, where there is currently a shortage of seafarers.
“My message to the youths of Fiji is to consider a career in seafaring,” he stated, highlighting the opportunities that await them. MSAF is committed to working alongside the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies to ensure that these individuals receive the necessary education and skills training. Upon completion, participants will be awarded a certificate of competency, paving their way to becoming recognized Fiji seafarers.
This initiative is a testament to the proactive measures being taken to empower the youth of Fiji while addressing the workforce needs within the maritime industry. By providing skills and promoting employment in a vital sector, MSAF is fostering a hopeful future for young people in Kadavu and potentially transforming the maritime landscape in the region.
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