In a notable advancement for grassroots cooperatives, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has disclosed in parliament that mobile and community-based training programs have conducted 81 sessions since 2024, benefiting over 1,800 participants. These initiatives concentrate on essential skills, including governance, financial management, and business operations, which empower cooperatives to improve their efficiency and accountability.
Minister Immanuel highlighted that these programs not only reduce costs but also enhance community engagement by customizing content to meet local requirements. This allows participants to implement their newly acquired skills immediately. To further broaden their reach, efforts are underway to incorporate digital platforms such as e-commerce and mobile banking, connecting cooperatives to larger markets.
Continuing prior initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperatives throughout Fiji, these programs also specifically seek to empower youth and women to take on leadership roles within these organizations. The commitment to enhancing cooperative frameworks coincides with recent training efforts focused on entrepreneurship and sustainability, particularly in regions including Narocake and Muana-i-Ra.
The government’s collaborative approach underscores a commitment to inclusive economic growth, as they increasingly recognize the vital role cooperatives play in local economies. This comprehensive strategy not only fortifies the cooperatives themselves but also contributes to a broader movement aimed at building socioeconomic resilience, particularly for women and youth, as they take more active roles in cooperative endeavors.
The ongoing training sessions and support mechanisms provide a promising outlook for Fiji’s cooperative landscape, where the sharing of resources and knowledge can lead to sustainable economic development and empower communities. This hopeful trajectory demonstrates the potential of cooperatives to drive significant positive change within local economies, reinforcing the importance of shared efforts in achieving growth and resilience.