The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection in Fiji is making strides to uplift vulnerable groups through a week-long Basic Pattern and Garment Making Training. This initiative, hosted at the Fiji National University’s School of Executive Management, Fashion and Design, is a part of the ministry’s broader effort to empower these communities by equipping them with essential skills that support sustainable livelihoods.
This program brought together 14 participants from varied backgrounds, including Koroipita Model Town, Daulomani Safe Home, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities’ Western branch, along with carers from the Golden Age Home in Lautoka. By operating as a Training of Trainers (TOT) program, participants are now positioned to share their acquired knowledge within their communities, fostering further growth and creating new opportunities for income-generation, especially through tailoring projects. For the carers from Golden Age Home, the skills acquired will directly benefit the clothing needs of the residents.
Nine of the participants are recipients of Social Welfare under the ministry’s existing protection programs, ensuring that the training directly supports those who need it the most. Earlier in the year, the ministry had provided sewing machines to participating organizations, laying a solid foundation for small tailoring initiatives. The recent training supplements these efforts by enhancing technical knowledge and fostering self-reliance, promising long-term sustainability for these initiatives.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with similar programs previously launched by the Fijian government and local organizations, aimed at empowering marginalized communities. For instance, ongoing programs like the ones supported by the Australian Pacific Training Coalition and other government-sponsored initiatives have been providing residents with the skills necessary for self-reliance and economic participation.
By focusing on skill development, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is offering hope and real pathways to change for vulnerable groups across Fiji. Through empowerment and education, these efforts are not just transforming individual lives but are also strengthening the community fabric, improving resilience, and fostering economic independence in the region.