Aaron (left) with his mum at Natabua Campus.

Nineteen-year-old Aaron Sydney Valentine was full of excitement and enthusiasm as he commenced his first-year studies at the Fiji National University’s (FNU), Natabua Campus, in Lautoka today.

Despite the adverse weather conditions experienced in the western division, Valentine was on time to attend his inaugural class at the Nawerelevu lecture theatre.

The former Swami Vivekananda College school student said joining FNU to pursue the programme Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Home Economics was his childhood dream. Valentine hopes to encourage and influence more male students to take up Home Economics which in society is considered by many as a domestic science meant for females.

“As a budding home economics teacher, I would like to inspire and encourage students, especially males, to learn about food, good nutrition and clothing and textiles,” said Valentine.

“People think that the course is exclusive for girls, that is not true. We are living in an era where skill acquisition is now the trend, the more skill one has, the better for the individual and the country at large,” he said.

The Nadi lad said he is thankful to his mother for always supporting him in his future endeavours and encouraging him to pursue studies at FNU because of the excellent blend of theoretical learning and practical experiences.

“My mother has been my pillar of strength and has always backed me to follow my dreams. She has encouraged me to follow in my sister’s footsteps, a graduate in Sports Science from FNU.  My mum taught me by studying Home Economics, we males will be better equipped for every situation in terms of knowledge, attitude and day to day skills,”  he said.

The trainee teacher said it was an easy process to enrol at FNU, and he was grateful to the friendly staff for patiently answering his queries regarding the home economics programme.

“I got most of my information on the FNU website and the prospectus. However, for additional information, I visited my nearest campus, Namaka, to seek clarifications,” he said.

He is urging everyone to move away from the traditional belief that the course is only for women.

“I lost my father when I was six years old, and my mother from a young age taught me that housekeeping is not a female work alone, but for both genders and home-keeping is a lifelong thing that all should embrace,” he said.

Valentine said that he has experienced how the teaching profession has changed due to COVID-19 and is looking forward to learning the new concepts relating to online teaching methodology at FNU.

“I faced the impact of COVID-19  last year, and it was challenging to return to classes after a long break and prepare for exams. But I am overwhelmingly grateful for the hard work teachers put in and the positive impact on us students,” he said.

Meanwhile, enrolment for Semester 1 has been extended to 12 March 2021. Students will not be charged any late enrollment fee.

To get more information on FNU programmes, students are encouraged to visit FNU Enrolment Booth at MHCC in Suva or a campus near you for enquiries. Prospective students can also visit our website on www.fnu.ac.fj for programme information and entry requirements.

Students who have received their Offer Letter can complete their enrolment process online or visit the nearest FNU Campus.