Educators at the Career’s Teachers’ Workshop at the FNU Ba Campus.

“Career education is no longer just an added service in schools – it is a necessity”

Fiji National University (FNU) Head of Ba Campus, Niraj Dharmendra made this comment while delivering the welcome address at the 2025 Career’s Teachers’ Workshop at Ba Campus yesterday.

The workshop brought together career teachers and principals from schools across Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, aimed at strengthening career guidance for students.

Dharmendra said the purpose of this critical workshop was about helping students identify their strengths, explore their passions, and align their skills with the opportunities that awaited them.

“Our students rely on us to help them navigate this complex landscape,” he said.

“As career teachers, we are more than just advisors, we are mentors and motivators. Our responsibility is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to make informed career decisions.”

He said that the role of teachers was not just about teaching their respective subjects, but it was more towards moulding their minds, instilling values, and preparing all students for a world that was full of opportunities and challenges.

Ministry of Education Senior Education Advisor – Ba, Tavua, Ragni Geeta Roy said in today’s rapidly changing world, it was crucial that students were offered pathways that were aligned with the demands of the labour market.

“From agriculture and engineering to business, education, health sciences, and maritime training— FNU is equipping the next generation with relevant, quality education that supports national development and global competitiveness,” she said.

Navesau Adventist High School Year 13 Careers Teacher, Vika Turaganivalu who is in her 26th year of teaching said the workshop was a timely one for all teachers in the Western Division.

“I thank the FNU for bringing in this workshop, it not only helps us teachers, but I believe it will help us in our classrooms moulding our students to be more aware of what FNU offers. Thank you, FNU!” Turaganivalu concluded.

Through initiatives like the Career’s Teachers’ Workshop, FNU continues to strengthen collaboration with secondary schools and support national efforts to build a future-ready workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of the local and global job markets.