Three women were among 50 men who graduated with a certificate in electrical wiring.
One of the three women was Laiseana Rokocoko, a single parent with a child, who graduated during the Fiji National University Sustainable Livelihood Training Programme at Yavusania Village in Nadi last Friday.
The 24-year-old was among the 481 participants who took on 14 different courses offered by the university for two weeks at her village in Yavusania.
“Mostly people in the village look at electrical wiring as a man’s job. When the programme was offered, I did not hesitate to take it. I thought of houses in the villages where men are not there. We, as women, can fix any electrical fault or install any electrical wiring in our houses or even in our community,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tomasi Gaunavou, 27, who graduated with a certificate in Child Care and Age Care, said taking care of children at home and the elderly were for both genders.
“I have learnt a lot form this course and I am hoping to improve all I have learnt in my home and in my community. And whatever job that is available in this field of work. The job of taking care of people is not only for women but for men too,” Mr Gaunavou said.
Two sisters, Faheema and Naima Dean, said they too were fortunate to be accepted among the villagers and be part of the programme.
“We were the only Indo-Fijians doing this course and we were so grateful for the bond that we have made with them. We all helped each other to successfully achieve our certificates today,” Naima said.
Chief guest was the Minister for Forestry, Osea Naiqamu. He encouraged the graduates that the certificates they received were doors to job opportunities and setting up businesses.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
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