The graduates with the Dean for CHEL, Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi and other academics and students following the ceremony.
The first cohort of 2025 students from China received their Certificate of Attainment after successfully completing the English as a Second Language (ESL) – Beginners Level programme last month.
The ESL programme is offered by the School of Communication, Language and Literature (SCLL) at the Fiji National University. It is an intensive English language programme consisting of three levels – Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced – each delivered over a 12-week period. The programme is currently on offer at the FNU’s Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus and is for international students who are interested in learning English as a second language.
The primary goal of the programme is to build a strong foundation in English, enabling the learners to communicate confidently in English.
Chief Guest and the Dean for the College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL), Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi highlighted in his address that the milestone moment was an achievement both for the students and the FNU as the University strives to strengthen its global partnerships and create an environment that welcomed students from around the world.
Chief Guest and the Dean for the College of Humanities, Education and Law, Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi.
“You came to Fiji, far from home, with courage and determination to learn a new language, adapt to a new environment, and experience a new culture. Over the past months, you have worked hard to improve your English through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and today, you stand before us with greater confidence and a stronger voice,” said Professor Dakuidreketi.
“Learning a language is not easy, but you have done it with enthusiasm and grace. You have also shared your own culture and warmth with us, reminding us that education is not just about books but about building friendships and understanding across borders.”
ESL lecturer, Suliana Tinanivalu shared that seeing how far the students had come to now confidently speak the English language was nothing short of inspiring.
“What makes our programme effective is our emphasis on practical and real-life learning. We incorporate scenario-based activities that reflect everyday situations such as ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions or making reservations,” Tinanivalu added.
Student, Binggong Chen said he was grateful to the FNU for opening study opportunities for international students who were interested in learning the English language.
The graduates together with the Chief Guest and the Dean for the College of Humanities, Education and Law, Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi and the Head of Department, Language and Literature, Sera Lidise.
“We want to thank all FNU leaders and lecturers because you planned this for us to have an opportunity to study here,” he said.
The Head of School, Communication, Language and Literature, Suzie Aziz, shared that the ESL programme will be offered during the summer breaks from 2026, and may also be extended to Suva as the demand continues to grow.
Interested students can contact ESL lecturer, Suliana Tinanivalu – suliana.tinanivalu@fnu.ac.fj
Phone number: 9066677