FNU Official conducting outreach at Magodro Secondary School.
The Fiji National University’s (FNU) Student Liaison Outreach Programme (SLOP) has completed its second week, with teams travelling deep into the interior of Viti Levu to ensure students in remote communities have access to information about higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities.
Officials from FNU’s Division of Marketing and Communications (DMC) and the College of Engineering and Technical, Vocational Education and Training (CETVET) visited Saint Therese of Lisieux College and Magodro Secondary School located deep in the interior of Nadroga-Navosa this week.
The outreach sessions provided students from Years 10 to 13 with valuable information on tertiary education pathways, career opportunities and application processes.
FNU Acting Director Marketing and Communications, Ms Ella Bennion, said the University remains committed to reaching every secondary school, regardless of its location, to ensure students are informed about the opportunities available to them after high school.
“At FNU, we firmly believe that every student deserves access to quality education and career opportunities. Geography should never be a barrier to a student’s future, and we are committed to ensuring that no student is left behind,” Ms Bennion said.
“Our outreach teams are travelling to some of the most remote parts of the country, leaving as early as 5.30am, navigating rugged terrain and even crossing rivers to reach students. These visits are about more than sharing information; they are about inspiring young people and showing them that there are pathways available to help them achieve their ambitions.”
“It is also about inspiring all FNU staff to embrace our Vision and Mission. Every staff member plays an important role in shaping student success, and we thank our colleagues, deans and directors for their continued support.”
The Student Liaison Outreach Programme continues to travel throughout Fiji.
The journey to Saint Therese of Lisieux College tested the resilience of the outreach team, requiring them to cross a river before reaching the school.
Ms Bennion said such challenges only strengthened the University’s determination to connect with students living in remote communities.
“We understand that some schools are located far from urban centres and educational resources. That is precisely why we make every effort to reach them. We want students to know that opportunities exist beyond secondary school and that FNU is here to support them in pursuing their educational and career goals.”
Saint Therese of Lisieux College Principal, Mr Penaia Qalituraga, thanked FNU for bringing educational opportunities directly to students in the interior.
“We sincerely appreciate FNU’s continued commitment to visiting our school and ensuring our students remain informed about the programmes and TVET opportunities available to them,” Mr Qalituraga said.
“Schools in remote locations can sometimes feel disconnected from important opportunities. FNU’s outreach programme reassures our students that they are not forgotten and that they have access to the same educational pathways as students elsewhere in the country.”
Saint Therese of Lisieux College Year 13 Head Girl, Henivono Kuriloa Dozzledot.
Among the students inspired by the visit was Year 13 Head Girl, Henivono Kuriloa Dozzledot, who crosses a river each day to attend school. The outreach session motivated her to pursue a Diploma in Architectural Drafting at FNU.
“I am grateful that FNU visited our school and introduced us to the wide range of programmes available,” Dozzledot said.
“Learning that Architectural Drafting is offered at FNU has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the field. I have always been fascinated by building design and have enjoyed studying Technical Drawing and Applied Technology. The information shared during the session has given me greater confidence to continue my studies at FNU after completing Year 13.”
FNU Officials conduct teacher information session at Kavanagasau College in Sigatoka.
In addition to student outreach sessions, FNU officials are also conducting teacher information sessions and engaging with parents, village elders and community members to raise awareness of educational opportunities and encourage lifelong learning.
The Student Liaison Outreach Programme continues to travel throughout Fiji, ensuring that students, regardless of where they live, have access to information that will help shape their future educational and career pathways.
ENDS