YOUNG Fijians have been urged to take advantage of the golden opportunity presented to them by the Government through free education.
These were the words of 45-year-old Ratu Viliame Tagivetaua after attaining his first ever carpentry certificate in Carpentry Level 2 from the Technical College of Fiji in Labasa.
Mr Tagivetaua who attended the course at the Ratu Epeli Ravoka campus resumed studies last year after leaving school at Form Four more than two decades ago.
“After I left school, I worked some odd jobs and ended up being a security guard in Suva for five years. When I got married I left Suva, I returned to the village to start my family in Bua,” he said.
“And apart from farming, I also help around in building homes in the village ever since I moved back so when I was told of this opportunity I decided to take it up.”
The father of two said he did not regret his decision as it would open up opportunities to find employment in the future.
“Even if I do not get employed, I can always have my own business. This was an opportunity that I could not have before,” Mr Tagivetaua said.
“The education opportunities presented to Fijian now is one that should not be regarded lightly. I am always stressing to my family the importance of education and now I am leading by example.”
His wife, Susana Tagivetaua who is also a current student at the institution said education was for everyone.
“Even if we are stay home mothers, expanding our knowledge in our areas of interest could be advantageous for us and our families,” she said.
Mr Tagivetaua said he was grateful for the opportunity to attain formal certification even at his age which was usually unheard of.