The Public Service permanent secretary Mr Parmesh Chand today welcomed the second batch of six (6) retired volunteer teachers who were engaged under the Fiji Volunteer Scheme (FVS) in Nauru for the last two years.
At informal talks with the volunteers, the Permanent Secretary thanked the Government of Nauru for allowing Fijian teachers to serve Nauru and the region in education and humanity sector. He highlighted that the role played by the volunteers in Nauru was commended by the Nauruan Government who had requested for an extension of the engagement of Fijian teachers.
The Fiji Volunteer Service, as a flagship program, has drawn a lot of attention in the Region now having 40 volunteers engaged. Mr Chand said that the Fiji Volunteer Scheme has received representatives from the Government of Papua New Guinea paying a visit with the interest in engaging more than 50 Volunteers.
Mr Keni Vakamino, a retired volunteer on the program, thanked the Government for the initiative, he added that it was an interesting assignment and with their experience as teachers they were able to meet the challenges faced in Nauru. The extension of their contract was a blessing as it will enable them to re-affirm what they have established in the last two years.
Mr Vosataki Volavola in sharing his experience identified absenteeism as one of the major challenges and when he returns would like to continue to institute discipline to students.
The teachers are happy to be back with their families and will return in January 2015.