A senior education official in Fiji has emphasized the importance of incorporating skills-based training within drug rehabilitation centers. Aminiasi Voresara, a senior officer with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, made this call during a recent congress at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, which involved discussions between the Fiji Teachers Registration Authority and the Ministry of Education.
Voresara pointed out the growing reliance on temporary solutions for addressing the country’s drug issues and proposed that rehabilitation centers should also function as TVET centers. He expressed concerns that while current rehabilitation efforts focus on changing attitudes and habits, they often lack the necessary components to prepare individuals for future employment and self-sufficiency.
He raised the question of how the community could collectively transition rehabilitation centers into facilities that not only assist with recovery but also equip individuals with practical skills. By doing so, those undergoing rehabilitation could emerge with valuable expertise, thus aiding their reintegration into society.
Sakeo Ganivatu, the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Internal Affairs, mentioned that discussions are ongoing with a non-governmental organization regarding this initiative, indicating a collaborative effort to enhance support for drug rehabilitation. They are working alongside several respected individuals from various fields to address this need.
Additionally, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad indicated that funding for a comprehensive drug rehabilitation program and the establishment of the Fiji Counter Narcotics Bureau will be reviewed in the upcoming national budget for 2024-2025.
This push for skills training in rehabilitation centers reflects a hopeful shift towards more sustainable solutions for tackling drug addiction, aiming not just to rehabilitate individuals but also to empower them. By focusing on skills development, these initiatives could lead to a reduction in recidivism and provide a brighter future for those impacted by drug-related issues.
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