Career Teachers at the Career Teachers’ Workshop at Nasinu Campus today.

Behind every struggling child in school is a story and career teachers are urged to understand what these children are going through.

Speaking at the Fiji National University’s Career Teachers’ Workshop at Nasinu Campus this morning, the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies Acting Dean Dr Asaeli Tuibeqa advised high school career teachers not to undervalue the effort of students but to guide them with care.

“Do not underestimate students. You do not know that you might be talking to the future prime minister of Fiji. As you know, the decisions our students make today regarding their futures will have a lasting impact on their lives. You, the dedicated career teachers, play a key role in guiding them towards fulfilling academic and career paths,” he said.

Dr Tuibeqa shared his journey as an average student who barely passed during his time in High School.

“I barely passed with 200 out of 400 in an all-boys school. I told the class my dream to go to university, but they all laughed. From that time until now, I managed to get my PhD.”

“You, as teachers, and career teachers, play a key role. You ensure the vital information reaches all students, preparing them to make well-considered choices in choosing their destined career paths.

“Your dedication and passion are truly a gift. It is the reason we are educators – teachers and lecturers – because we have the power to guide and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.”

Ministry of Education Principal Education Officer TEST, Mr. Aminiasi Voresara pleaded with teachers to guide students.

“It’s been too long. For so long children were suffering as there were no Career classes in school. We have failed our children by not providing career lessons. I urge you to take this workshop seriously,” Mr Voresasa said.

Wainimala Secondary School Head of School Maciu Koroitamana said he was happy with the Outreach done by the university in communities and requested that FNU Centres be introduced in the rural areas considering the location of their students.

The same sentiment was shared by Waidina College Head of School Osea Naicibaciba. He challenges the university to take education to the rural areas as most students view the city as foreign.

More than 60 career teachers attended the workshop. The last leg of the Career Teachers’ Workshop will be held at Naduna Campus in Labasa this Friday.