Swastika Ravikashini Lata Kumar

In a bid to help her students make informed decisions about their future careers, Swastika Ravikashini Lata Kumar, Year 8 teacher and Assistant Head Teacher at Vugalei District School is leading a group of 26 students to attend the highly anticipated 2024 Fiji National University (FNU) Open Day.

The visit to FNU’s Open Day, which is themed ‘Dream It, Weave It, Achieve It,’ will give the rural students a firsthand experience of the academic pathways available to them.

Kumar said that this opportunity is especially important for students from rural areas like Vugalei, where access to career guidance resources can be limited.

“I believe that providing our Year 8 students with this experience will allow them to better understand the career options available to them,” said Kumar.

“It is not just about what they want to be when they grow up—it is about knowing what subjects they need to choose in high school next year to make those dreams a reality.”

She added that by attending FNU’s Open Day, students can begin to connect their aspirations with the academic paths that will help them get there by speaking directly to academics and university students.

For the students of Vugalei District School, the visit is especially significant. The Vice-Chancellor of FNU, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, hails from Vugalei, a fact that has inspired many in the community.

The students are eager to follow in her footsteps, drawing motivation from her achievements and dedication to education.

“Our students are incredibly excited to visit FNU, especially because the Vice-Chancellor shares the same roots. It shows them that with hard work and dedication, they too can achieve great things, regardless of where they come from,” Kumar added.

The 2024 FNU Open Day is set to offer an immersive experience, with faculty booths, interactive displays, and informational sessions designed to guide students through various programs. Attendees, like the Year 8 students from Vugalei, will have the opportunity to engage with university representatives, ask questions about potential career options, and explore the campus environment.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nabobo-Baba, shared her enthusiasm for welcoming the students.

“As someone who grew up in Vugalei, it is an honour to see these bright young minds visiting FNU to explore their future careers. I hope this visit will inspire them to pursue their dreams and take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

The FNU Open Day is scheduled to take place from the 3 to 5 October across various campuses, with thousands of students from around Fiji expected to attend.