The Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), Mr. Steve Chand, met with the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji, Rev. Dr. Semisi Turagavou, and his team. Accompanying Rev. Dr. Turagavou were Rev. Sitiveni Kua, Secretary of Christian Citizenship and Social Services, and Mr. Kitione Radrodro, Secretary of the Education Committee.

They discussed strategic interventions aimed at utilizing education and training to assist young people in the community and support the rehabilitation of Methodist inmates, who currently represent the largest group of inmates in Fiji’s correctional facilities.

They also explored how Methodist Division Circuit Schools could incorporate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs into their curriculum.

This was their first meeting, with plans to have more discussions in the future.

The Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre (MWVTC) continues to empower underprivileged women and young girls through skill-based training. Yesterday, the centre proudly graduated another cohort of enterprising women.

This batch consisted of 49 graduates, with 24 women earning the National Certificate in Aged Care and Community Care (Level 3), 17 women completing the National Certificate in Fashion, Manufacturing, and Design ( Level 2), and 8 women receiving Certificates in Cooking and Pastry.

The graduation ceremony was graced by the Higher Education Commission CEO, Dr. Rohit Kishore, who served as the Chief Guest. Dr. Kishore commended the significant role of religious organizations in advancing education in Fiji, highlighting their contributions to the country’s educational development.

“I acknowledge the Fiji Muslim League for supporting approximately 1,850 women who have graduated through MWVTC. This institution is not just for Muslim women but embraces women of various ages and ethnicities. You are unique, and I salute you for that,” said Dr. Kishore.

Dr. Kishore also addressed the evolving workforce landscape, noting the increasing influence of technology and shifting labor market demands. He emphasized the importance of continuous training to meet the changing needs of human resources.

 “Adapting to the fast-changing and dynamic economy and labor market requires a strong focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” Dr Kishore further explained.

Dr. Kishore congratulated the graduates for their dedication and hard work. He also extended his gratitude to their supportive families and commended the institution for its vision and commitment to empowering underprivileged women.

The Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Honorable Ifereimi Vasu, emphasized that education is a crucial factor for the iTaukei to excel in business and other areas of development. Hon. Vasu shared his views during a meeting with the team from the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) to discuss educational development and empowerment at the provincial level.
Mr. Steve Chand, Chair of the HECF, briefed Hon. Vasu on the latest initiatives concerning the establishment of provincial training institutions aimed at empowering individuals through tailored programs, bridging skills gaps, and providing direct skills training to Fijians in their communities. He highlighted the importance of these institutions in fostering local talent and ensuring sustainable community development.
The HECF has been actively engaging Provincial Councils in consultations regarding these initiatives, while the councils are also conducting their own consultation efforts. These collaborative efforts are aimed at ensuring that the programs are well-received and effectively address the unique needs of each province.
Hon. Vasu enthusiastically endorsed the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs’ Solesolevaki Framework for educational development activities. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Ministry and the HECF, noting that such partnerships are essential for driving progress and achieving long-term goals.
The Minister also emphasised the broader impact of education on community resilience and economic growth. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, these initiatives are expected to enhance employment opportunities and contribute to the overall well-being of iTaukei communities.

The Minister of Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, underscored the critical importance of Annual Reports for organizations during his recent address to the staff of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF). “In all organizations that I have worked with, I have always stressed the importance of Annual Reports,” he remarked.

Minister Radrodro congratulated the HECF staff for their diligent efforts in updating and producing their annual reports. “Accountability is paramount. The provision of annual reports by an organization ensures transparency, fosters trust, and demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and responsible governance,” Hon. Radrodro explained.

During the address, Radrodro emphasized that Annual Reports are not merely formalities but essential tools for evaluating an organization’s performance, setting benchmarks, and making informed decisions. He highlighted that these reports serve as a transparent record of an organization’s activities, financial health, and strategic direction, which are crucial for stakeholders and the public.

HECF Chair, Mr. Steve Chand, echoed the Minister’s sentiments and assured him of the Commission’s unwavering support for his initiatives. “The HECF will continue to provide the necessary insights and recommendations to help shape policies that will benefit students, educators, and institutions,” Chand stated. He further noted that the Commission is committed to maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency in all its operations.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the HECF to uphold these values and continue their efforts in producing comprehensive annual reports. The Annual Reports are expected to be table to Parliament this year.

The Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Honorable Ifereimi Vasu, emphasized that education is a crucial factor for the iTaukei to excel in business and other areas of development. Hon. Vasu shared his views during a meeting with the team from the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) to discuss educational development and empowerment at the provincial level.

Mr. Steve Chand, Chair of the HECF, briefed Hon. Vasu on the latest initiatives concerning the establishment of provincial training institutions aimed at empowering individuals through tailored programs, bridging skills gaps, and providing direct skills training to Fijians in their communities. He highlighted the importance of these institutions in fostering local talent and ensuring sustainable community development.

The HECF has been actively engaging Provincial Councils in consultations regarding these initiatives, while the councils are also conducting their own consultation efforts. These collaborative efforts are aimed at ensuring that the programs are well-received and effectively address the unique needs of each province.

Hon. Vasu enthusiastically endorsed the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs’ Solesolevaki Framework for educational development activities. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Ministry and the HECF, noting that such partnerships are essential for driving progress and achieving long-term goals.

The Minister also emphasised the broader impact of education on community resilience and economic growth. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, these initiatives are expected to enhance employment opportunities and contribute to the overall well-being of iTaukei communities.

Turaga na Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, met today with Mr. Steve Chand, Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji, alongside his team.

The primary agenda centered on laying the groundwork and initial discussions for the establishment of the Namosi Higher Education Institute.

Ratu Suliano expressed his full support for this crucial initiative, indicating a forthcoming meeting with the Namosi Provincial Council to advance discussions.

Noteworthy was the presence of the Minister for Education, Hon Aseri Radrodro, who joined the meeting and contributed to the dialogue, underlining the government’s commitment to educational progress

Today, a delegation from Henan Province, China, led by His Excellency Zhou Jian, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Fiji, visited the Higher Education Commission – Fiji (HECF). The delegation received a warm welcome from Mr. Steve Chand, the Chair of the HECF. The primary focus of the discussions revolved around strengthening bilateral relations through collaborative efforts in various development projects, with a particular emphasis on fostering cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Its Day 2 of the Higher Education Career Expo 2023 at the VODAFONE ARENA