The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) signed a partnership agreement with Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) on 10 November 2025, marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration and capacity-building within Fiji’s higher education sector.
In announcing the partnership, HECF Chair Mr. Steve Chand said the agreement would enable the placement of skilled volunteers who will work alongside HECF staff on targeted projects that address institutional needs and priorities.
“Through this agreement, we will benefit from the placement of skilled volunteers who will work closely with our staff on assignments that address specific institutional needs and priorities,” Mr. Chand said.
“For HECF, this partnership also aligns with our broader mandate to support continuous professional development and institutional learning. It will help us nurture a culture of innovation, efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making — qualities that are essential for a strong and responsive higher education sector.”
VSA Deputy CEO and Director of Programmes & Volunteer Services, Ms. Michelle Evan, described the partnership as a milestone for VSA, noting that HECF plays a central role in regulating higher education and training in Fiji.
VSA Fiji Programme Manager, Ms. Emma Christopher, also highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that it would now allow VSA to better coordinate with higher education institutions through HECF.
The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing institutional capacity, knowledge sharing, and collaboration in support of Fiji’s human resource development goals
