The Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) has launched a two-week regional Training of Trainers course designed to enhance skills in meteorology, climate, and hydrology training for participants across the Pacific. This initiative is made possible through a collaboration with the Government of Japan, facilitated by JICA’s Third Country Training Programme (TCTP).
The training, delivered by experts from the Fiji National University (FNU), includes participants from various Pacific nations such as the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. The course aims to strengthen their expertise in training design, adult learning, facilitation, and assessment. It promotes a competency-based training approach that aligns with the World Meteorological Organization’s BIP-M and BIP-MT frameworks. Ultimately, this effort seeks to bolster the capacity of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the Pacific, ensuring they can deliver high-quality training and develop a regional pool of qualified trainers.
In the opening remarks, Amit Singh, Acting Director of the Fiji Meteorological Service, welcomed participants and underscored the significance of the training in enhancing technical and facilitation skills while fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the region. Singh also reflected on the enduring partnership between Fiji Met and JICA, which has remained strong since the late 1980s. This collaboration has significantly contributed to the development of meteorological services throughout the Pacific, improving the accuracy and breadth of weather and climate services.
Singh noted, “JICA’s support has been vital in building the capacity and skills of meteorological personnel across the Pacific. This Training of Trainers workshop is part of the ongoing Reinforcing Meteorological Training of FMS project.” As a Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre and Tropical Cyclone Centre, the Fiji Meteorological Service plays an essential role in delivering weather forecasts and enhancing the capabilities of meteorological staff throughout the region, ensuring reliable and precise services.
The Fiji Meteorological Service has expressed gratitude to JICA for its support in facilitating the workshop and to the Fiji National University for contributing trainers and expertise, highlighting the importance of regional capacity-building initiatives in enhancing weather and climate education across the Pacific. This initiative is a hopeful step toward improving disaster preparedness and response in the region, ultimately benefiting the communities served by these enhanced meteorological services.
Leave a comment