Fifteen young iTaukei individuals have been awarded the first-ever iTaukei Land Trust Board Education Scholarship, a significant initiative aimed at improving higher education access for iTaukei students. This program, supported by the iTaukei Wealth Fund, seeks to provide equal educational opportunities to students from various backgrounds, including those in maritime, rural, and urban areas.
Incorporated late last year, the scholarship targets iTaukei candidates who exhibit strong academic performance, financial need, leadership potential, and a dedication to community or national development. Notably, applicants must not already benefit from other educational assistance programs such as the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS).
The scholarship encompasses a range of benefits, including merit-based financial aid, specialized support for specific fields, and valuable work experience in priority sectors like engineering, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, business, IT, finance, and land resource management. Recipients of the scholarship will receive assistance for tuition fees, along with mentorship and internship opportunities, and they will be obligated to work in Fiji for three to five years post-graduation.
During the scholarship award ceremony, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka commended the iTaukei Land Trust Board for its commitment to creating pathways for career development. He encouraged the scholarship recipients to make the most of this opportunity as they pursue their academic and professional ambitions. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the significant role played by chiefs and landowners associated with TLTB-managed lands in supporting this initiative by reallocating a portion of their earnings.
Solomone Nata, Chief Executive Officer of TLTB, emphasized that the program will help address the shortage of skilled workers in vital sectors, thereby enhancing the workforce and capacity within essential industries across Fiji. This scholarship not only supports individual educational aspirations but also contributes to the overall development of the nation by equipping iTaukei youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive job market.