Twenty-five officers from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection are currently participating in a Microsoft Excel Masterclass designed to enhance data management and analytical capabilities within the Central Division. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to promote evidence-based decision-making and improve service delivery across various departments and field offices.
Acting Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca addressed the participants, emphasizing that successful social protection efforts hinge not only on empathy and compassion but also on the necessity of precise data and thorough analysis. She highlighted that the Fiji National Development Plan for 2025 to 2029 underscores the importance of measurable outcomes, accountability, and evidence-driven policymaking, particularly concerning child protection, gender equality, social protection, and minimizing vulnerability.
Kuruleca pointed out that the data gathered, cleaned, analyzed, and reported by the officers underpin national indicators that evaluate government performance and inform policy and budget decisions. She noted that Microsoft Excel is one of the most effective tools available, enabling personnel to advance beyond simple record-keeping to more sophisticated tasks such as trend analysis, performance monitoring, and evidence-based reporting.
The masterclass equips officers with essential skills in advanced Excel functions, data visualization, and automation, fostering improved accuracy and reduced errors. This enhanced proficiency ultimately allows for more time dedicated to strategic thinking and policy analysis, which can yield significant improvements in service delivery and impact the well-being of communities throughout Fiji positively.