Sitiveni Baivou, 15, has now mastered the art of baking after completing a two-week course run by the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Sustainable Livelihood Programme at Kiuva Village, Tailevu.
Mr Baivou who hails from Muanaira Village is a Year Nine student at Shreedhar Maharaj College.
He told the Fiji Sun yesterday that he was happy to receive his certificate because it was a form of recognition of his participation.
Mum Salanieta Marama said dad Aminio Rakata had to ask for their son’s release from the school just to attend the course.
“I am happy that my son, the eldest in the family, has completed the course and received a certificate,” Ms Marama said.
Mr Rakata said they supported their son all the way and would now prepare an oven for his baking.
As part of the baking course, Mr Baivou also learned how to build an oven.
A total of 362 participants took part in the programme where they also learned carpentry, caring for the elderly, cooking, tailoring, plumbing, screen printing and front office management to name a few.
At Kiuva Village, those course participants baked bread and sold them to the villagers. Between Monday and Wednesday they collected over $300, which they used to buy their shirts for the graduation ceremony.
Tutor Savaira Marama said it was a joy working with the participants.
Chief guest Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, after handing out the certificates, urged them to further their knowledge by attending the technical colleges and do a formal course there.
Mr Bainimarama reminded them that Government, through the programme, was providing them tools for a better life.
FNU also introduced “Basic English” into the programme to improve the participant’s ability to get work by gaining a better understanding of their common language in Fiji.
Meanwhile, the PM reiterated that he wanted a caring nation and that men should respect and care for their women. He said we must put a stop to the scandalous incidence of rape in Fiji, abuse of children and domestic violence.
A total of 7000 Fijians have so far completed the Sustainable Livelihood Programme since it was introduced in 2012.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
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