The Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) is providing valuable training opportunities in Fiji, enabling local youth to acquire skills that will improve their employment prospects and overall quality of life. On Thursday, 317 students participated in a citizenship ceremony, which included 181 women and 137 men, held in Nasinu.
Jokapeci Mocelutu, a 26-year-old mother from Suvavou, Rewa, is one of the beneficiaries of this program. She expressed her gratitude for the training, which she is completing in just 12 weeks. “This is an excellent training opportunity that does not require any fees, allowing us to enhance our abilities for future employment,” she stated.
Jokapeci is currently pursuing a qualification in aged care services and is planning to seek employment in this field, as job opportunities are challenging to secure at this time. Additionally, her responsibilities as a mother complicate her search for work during her training period. She hopes to continue her education if more training opportunities arise in the future.
Sainimere Lewetini, another participant aged 26 from Naweretu, Nakorotubu in Ra, is also enthusiastic about the training received through APTC. She has completed her Certificate II in Hospitality and is eager to apply her skills in Lautoka, where she feels empowered by the knowledge gained from her studies.
Her training lasted 12 weeks, with three weeks dedicated to practical experience in local hotels, which she found extremely beneficial. Sainimere appreciates the support from God in her educational journey, emphasizing that if they wish to improve their living standards, training programs like this are essential.
She encourages others in her community to take advantage of similar training opportunities, highlighting that they are free of charge and can lead to jobs that will enhance their lives and combat poverty faced by many in the region.