Large number of students from the central division turned out at the Ministry of ITaukei Affairs for interviews for local scholarships offered this year.
Similar interviews are expected to be conducted in the western and northern divisions.
Among the few interviewees was former Labasa College student Isaia Kumisalei who was shortlisted for the interview and is adamant that he will secure a scholarship.
“If I will be selected, I will do my best to attain the grade that is required and contribute to the economy,” Mr Kumisalei said.
Isaia Kumisalei said that students of this day and age have the opportunity to further purse their education with the incentive programs government is providing.
“I am thankful to government for providing students the opportunity to further pursue academic qualifications and become resourceful people for the future,” he said.
The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in announcing the 2013 budget address highlighted that the cornerstone of Government’s policy and reforms is to ensure that education be made accessible to all Fijians.
Government has allocated $24million for tertiary scholarships with a common goal of prioritising education and to make Fiji knowledge based society. As well, $5 million has been allocated for a new scholarship program to cover tuition fees for more than 1,000 students in 2013 to undertake vocational courses, through the Fiji National University (FNU), to help them acquire specialised trade skills.
These incentives will provide students amongst other things, to become certified plumbers, electricians, deckhands, carpenters, mechanics and engineers.
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