The Minister of Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Hon. Inia Seruiratu said that every accomplishment begins with a daring dream.
This was his statement shared with students at the opening of the Fiji National University (FNU) Open Day at the FNU Campus in Koronivia today.
“Your presence here is not by chance but a foreshadow of what is yet to come, what you are yet to achieve in life, your goals, your dreams, ’’ said Minister Seruiratu.
“The Indian author Jiddu Krishnamurti said, “the function of education is to help you from childhood not to imitate anybody, but to be yourself all the time.” So I dare you today, take this opportunity, realise your career goals and strive towards it,” Mr. Seruiratu added.
Minister Seruiratu said with the Fiji First Government’s ‘no child left behind’ policy in place, all of you here today or on your way to all the FNU Open Day centres, I urge you to embrace this opportunity and live your dreams.
“The Bainimarama government has full confidence in the work carried out by FNU and this is evident in 2017 budget which has several important projects for FNU embedded in it, ’’ Minister Seruiratu said.
He said that the government is sponsoring fifty (50) scholarships each year to support a 24 months Certificate III in Commercial Agriculture programme at FNU. This trains students in various agricultural disciplines to establish commercial agriculture in the country.
“The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, accommodation and other boarding expenses during the first year of the programme. Upon graduation, each student can apply for a loan package to cover the cost of farm land, basic farm implements and some start –up cash,” added Minister Seruiratu.
“This initiative will enhance Government’s goal of import substitution, provide employment and promote healthy living,” he said.