A NEW learning centre for Rakiraki Market vendors is expected to upskill the vendors on a range of subjects.
Launched on Wednesday, the Market Learning Centre at Rakiraki will deliver learning at the market using a combination of print and audio modes within the market area.
Each learning session will 'broadcast' for 30 minutes in the two major vernacular languages, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the busiest market days.
Printed material will be provided to the vendors and a facilitator will be on hand for any questions.
"We have found that market vendors have little access to learning opportunities because they spend long hours working and any time that they spend away from their stalls means a decrease in income.
"Through the Market Learning Centre we are bringing the classroom to the market," said Ernesto Bautista, the Governance Team Leader at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Centre.
The centre is part of an ongoing program at Vaileka Market — Strengthening Women's Economic Security and Rights: Capacity Building Program for Women Market Vendors, facilitated by UNDP in partnership with the Rakiraki Town Council, and the Vaileka Market Vendors Association.
Government departments, private sector organisations, development agencies, NGOs and women NGOs will be encouraged to use the centre to share their messages.
It is anticipated the Market Vendors Association will be able to make announcements through the centre, contributing to greater transparency of the association.