The radiant smiles on their faces spoke volumes. Ninety-nine trainees from Alphacrucis University College (AUC) Fiji Campus are brimming with readiness as they prepare to depart for Australia upon successfully completing their training terms in Fiji. AUC plays a pivotal role in providing theoretical training, while partnering with Bolton Clarke, Australia’s largest independent not-for-profit aged care provider, renowned for its comprehensive services encompassing at-home support, retirement living, and residential aged care. This collaborative effort signifies a blend of academic and practical training, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for the trainees entering the field of aged care.

AUC training in Fiji is part of the objectives of the Australian government’s Aged Care Expansion (ACE) program.

Fulton Adventist University College (FAUC) Principal, Dr Ronald Stone receiving their Renewal of Registration Certificate from Higher Education Commission – Fiji Executive Officer, Mrs Reshika Kumar.

Congratulations FAUC.

Higher Education Commission – Fiji (HECF) Chair, Mr. Steve Chand, along with Principal Education Officer TEST, Mr. Aminiasi Voresara from the Ministry of Education, visited Richmond Methodist High School while on tour in Kadavu. Their primary objective is to assess and strategize the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs that align seamlessly with the unique needs and context of Kadavu Province.

The team was warmly welcomed by the School Principal, Mr. Viasi Gukirewa, at Richmond Methodist High School.

Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) convened yesterday ( Thursday, 25/01/24) to deliberate on enhancing their intake processes with a focus on ensuring the production of high-quality teacher graduates. Chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms. Selina Kuruleca, the meeting also included key stakeholders such as the Higher Education Commission Fiji, Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service, and the Fiji Teachers Registration Authority. The collaborative discussions aimed at refining intake procedures reflect a collective commitment to fostering excellence in teacher education and addressing the evolving needs of the education sector.

Congratulations to Alphacrucis University College (AUC) on its successful registration with the Higher Education Commission – Fiji (HECF). This significant achievement marks a pivotal step for AUC as it expands its educational footprint by establishing a campus in Fiji. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Australian government’s Aged Care Expansion (ACE) program, demonstrating AUC’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the community.

As the largest Protestant Christian Higher Education Institution in Australia, AUC takes pride in shaping the next generation of leaders across diverse fields such as Business, Counselling, Education, Health Sciences, Ministry, Music, and more. By extending its reach to Fiji, AUC aims to contribute to the global impact of its graduates.

With campuses strategically located throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as a robust online presence, AUC continues to provide accessible and high-quality education.

Mr. Steve Chand, the Chair of the Higher Education Commission – Fiji, is presently in Kadavu undertaking an assessment of the current infrastructure in schools and training institutions. The primary objective is to strategize ways to enhance their capacity. Additionally, the team is working to pinpoint pertinent courses tailored to the specific needs of the Kadavu Province, which will be incorporated into these educational institutions. This initiative serves as a follow-up to the Provincial Council Talanoa Session organized by the HECF, dedicated to addressing the skills shortage in Fiji. The on-site exploration and course identification aim to translate the discussions from the Talanoa Session into tangible actions for fostering education and skill development.

Mr Chand is accompanied by Senior Education Officer, Mr Aminiasi Voresara. At Vunisea Secondary School, the team was warmly received by Assistant Principal, Mr Atunaisa Kaitabu and HOD Ind Arts Mr Epeli Waqa.

The Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), Mr. Steve Chand, held a meeting today with Mr. Jason Liu, the Director of Political Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Fiji. The primary purpose of this meeting was to engage in preliminary discussions regarding forthcoming strategic deliberations, proposals, and projects.

During their meeting, Mr. Chand and Mr. Liu delved into various facets of the upcoming strategic discussions, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts in the realm of higher education. They explored potential avenues for mutually beneficial projects and exchanged insights on fostering stronger educational ties between Fiji and China. Both parties expressed their commitment to cultivating a robust educational partnership that not only addresses current challenges but also lays the groundwork for sustained growth and cooperation in the future.

Representatives from the tourism sector engaged in a Talanoa Session today—an open discussion expressing concerns about the apparent misalignment between the skills possessed by recent graduates and the evolving demands of the industry. This meeting marked the inaugural academia and industry collaboration stakeholders of Fiji’s tourism sector.

Guiding the Talanoa session, Higher Education Commission Fiji CEO Dr. Rohit Kishore emphasized the overarching goal of ensuring that education and training in Fiji upholds high quality, relevance to the industry, and world-class standards.

“The discussion is a success, noting the eagerness and positive and effective contributions of the participants,” described Dr. Kishore. “This is the first of many more Talanoa discussions, not only for the tourism industry but for the other sectors as well.”

A preliminary discussion to develop a National Certificate II in Small Ruminants took place this week between the Higher Education Commission – Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways Fiji. The interest was expressed by the Agricultural Ministry after noting the successful implementation and demand for the National Certificate II in Dairy.

The development of this program is expected to be completed by July 2024.