THE addition of a new course begins a new era for a group of vocational students at Labasa Arya Secondary School as they embark to learn from a wide range of courses.
With general hospitality services as their main program, the school opened its doors for a beauty therapy course with a total of 20 students enrolling this year.
After completing seven weeks of theoretical studies, the students yesterday applied their knowledge and skills on clients as part of their practical work.
Head of School for vocational studies Sadhna Deo said the idea to include beauty therapy studies came about after she attended a two-week course on such studies in Viti Levu on April this year.
"The students were initially studying catering, tailoring, housekeeping, baking and pastry.
"And now with the inclusion of this new course, it will give them a wide knowledge about the tourism industry," Mrs Deo said.
"At the moment, we are just focusing on the basic principles of beauty therapy which is facial and massage work.
"Today, we have received clients within the school and they are really happy about the students' performances," she said.
Mrs Deo said students do not have to travel to Viti Levu to study the course because it was being offered at their very own doorsteps.
"To study such program in Viti Levu is very expensive considering the school fees and fares one student from this place has to pay.
"Students only pay $50 to study this program for the whole year and we can say that this course is affordable and cheap," she said.
Client and schoolteacher Sharmila Pillay labelled the students' practical work as "perfect".