THE demand for short courses offered by the Fiji National University through the National Training and Productivity Centre has increased over the years.
Such demand was reflected in last week’s training organised by the centre at Nabalebale Village in Cakaudrove where 577 villagers from all over Vanua Levu attended.
Course co-ordinator Setareki Valenitabua said the 17 courses offered at the village attracted villagers from as far as Taveuni, Bua and Labasa.
“This is a two weeks program and the courses offered are fully funded by Government, but monitored by FNU,” he said.
“The participants don’t pay for anything at all and at the end of the program they will receive certificates.
“We offer courses that are applicable to the rural setting and the needs that exist.”
Mr Valenitabua said previous assessments done by the team had shown that many participants had been employed in the workforce.
“Some have their own businesses now and they are economically empowered through these short courses,” he said.
“The villagers are divided into different classes that they choose and it includes solar panel installation, engineering, joinery, screen-printing, floriculture, cooking, bakery, sewing, bread making and rural stove construction.
“These people will be able to build their ovens in villages to make bread and it’s all aimed at empowering our rural dwellers.”
