Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (CAFF) embarked on a monthlong outreach.

Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) embarked on a monthlong outreach initiative aimed at fostering inclusiveness and diversity while engaging with local communities.

The impact of the outreach efforts was evident as the lecture room brimmed with students, eagerly enrolled in diverse programmes, during CAFF’s Semester 1, 2024 Orientation session held at the Koronivia campus.

The outreach activity that covered various areas including Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, and the Northern Division, was conducted from 2 January – 2 February 2024.

CAFF Dean, Dr Kaliova Ravuiwasa said CAFF presented various study opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the areas of Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Science, and Fisheries.

“Now, that these study opportunities are at their doorstep, prospective students are encouraged to seize the opportunity to access the comprehensive service provided by the university and get enrolled in the choices of their programs,” Dr Ravuiwasa added.

“Furthermore, there are abundant natural resources in their local areas that can become a viable avenue for a livelihood upon acquiring the enriched knowledge and skills offered by CAFF.

“The parents and students were present in the different outreach stations and were fully participating in the enrolment process of students into their various program choices under the College of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.”

Dr Ravuiwasa further added that programmes from the College are now being offered at FNU’s campus in Labasa and Ba.

“Take advantage of the Certificate in Agriculture (Level 3) that we are now offering at Naduna campus. We have big plans for you, and we strive to offer more programmes in North soon,” he added.

“In addition to the programmes offered by the College, we also have short courses that run for a week in various fields of Agriculture, Animal Science, Fisheries and Forestry. Join CAFF today and let’s work together to develop Vanua Levu to the next level.”

The outreach activity aligned with the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1, 3, 4, and 17, whereby the dedicated College staff were actively involved in outreach activities, tirelessly promoting CAFF programmes, and engaging with communities to advocate for sustainable livelihoods.

CAFF Acting Associate Dean TVET, Dr Ilisoni Leweniqila expressed that the mission of the outreach was to upskill and reskill communities across Fiji.

“We aim to upskill and reskill our communities to ensure better livelihoods and wellbeing. Our campaigns align with FNU Pillars of Sustainability and Food Security, promoting resilience and adaptation,” he said.

“Our programmes additionally, uniquely designed with strong theoretical and practical components, anchored by robust industrial attachment experiences, setting us apart in the region,” Dr Lewaniqila emphasised.

“We hope to align our campaigns with the FNU pillars (Sustainability and Food security) to up skill or re-skill our people to ensure better livelihood and wellbeing. We at CAFF endeavour to promote resilience and adaptation.

“Engaging with parents and students, the outreach witnessed enthusiastic participation in enrolment processes, especially inquiring about the university’s TVET programmes and diploma courses.”