The Fijian Government is geared towards creating Fiji as a knowledge-based society, extending free education to primary, secondary and to pre-school students.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Hon. Jioji Konrote while emphasizing the importance of education at the University of the South Pacific Open Day today.
“The Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) offered by the Government is being fully utilized by students and will contribute to a more educated labour force in the region in years to come. The University is one of the valuable partners in supporting this Government initiative,” Minister Konrote said.
The Minister added that significant collaborations between the Government and USP is helping produce an educated workforce.
“The partnership between the Department of Energy and USP enabled the establishment of a bio-fuel testing laboratory worth $865,000 to be based at the Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS) which allows bio-fuel producers in Fiji and the region to have easy access to accredited fuel testing facility.”
Government also supported USP with the securing of funds from the Japanese Grant Aid worth $61 million for the construction of the Japan Pacific Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Centre.
Other collaborations include the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management working with the Ministry of Tourism through internships for recently graduating students, PSC and USP’s Pacific TAFE training civil servants.
"This year, USP is focusing on research and policy interventions with the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport on trial and testing of new designed sustainable transport vessels."
Hon. Minister Konrote encouraged prospective students to make use of the USP Open Day and assess courses and programmes offered to prepare them for future career goals.