TVET International Consultant, Dr. Gita Subrahmanyam, met today with Mr. Steve Chand, Chair of the Higher Education Commission of Fiji, and his senior team.

The meeting aimed to provide an update on the development of the National TVET Policy and the progress of its Technical Working Group. It was a productive session with a healthy and comprehensive discussions. Dr Subrahmanyam has been meeting relevant units and organizations relating to the policy this week.

The Institute of Democracy and Electoral Education (IDEE) will serve as the official training arm of the Fiji Elections Office (FEO). The FEO team, led by the Supervisor of Elections, Ms. Ana Mataiciwa, formally received the institution’s Recognition Certificate yesterday ( Tuesday – 04 March 2025) from the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF).

Ms. Mataiciwa emphasized that this achievement reflects the team’s unwavering commitment and is a product of a bold, forward-thinking vision. Since its establishment, the FEO has played a crucial role in training election officials, ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and smoothly. This training not only upholds public trust but also guarantees that elections are properly managed. With IDEE’s creation, there will be increased awareness and strengthened capacity for electoral education across Fiji.

The HECF team congratulated the FEO for this significant initiative and expressed their enthusiasm for IDEE’s future growth and positive impact in Fiji. As IDEE prepares to officially launch its programs later this year, HECF is committed to providing ongoing support to help the institution achieve full registration status

The Honourable Aseri Radrodro, Minister for Education, officially inaugurated the Higher Education Commission of Fiji (HECF) office in Lautoka. This new office comes on the heels of the recently opened Labasa office in the Northern Division, furthering the government’s commitment to providing equal educational opportunities to all Fijians, regardless of their location.

In his address, the Minister highlighted the crucial role of the HECF in maintaining the quality and standards of higher education nationwide. The Lautoka office will serve as a vital center for the Western Division.

During the event, the Minister also launched the 4Rs Online Portal, a new digital platform designed to simplify regulatory processes for higher education institutions in Fiji. The portal streamlines applications for Recognition, Registration, Review, and Renewal of institutions, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the sector.

Certificates of Recognition and Registration were awarded to several institutions at the ceremony, including:

• Makeup Academy – Certificate of Recognition
• Institute of Democracy and Electoral Education (Fiji Elections Office) – Recognition
• Vivekananda Technical Centre – Provisional Registration
• Universal Academy of Beauty Therapy – Full Registration
• Australia Pacific Management and Training Pte Ltd – Full Registration
• Chevalier Training Institute – Renewal of Registration
• Ministry of Youth and Sports – Renewal of Registration

Hon. Radrodro encouraged students, parents, and all relevant stakeholders to visit the new office for assistance with higher education inquiries and to utilize the new online portal for a more efficient regulatory process.

This initiative marks a significant advancement in aligning the education sector with the objectives outlined in Fiji’s National Development Plan, addressing labor shortages, and ensuring quality education is accessible to all Fijians