The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in Fiji has recently intensified its efforts to promote digital inclusion through a two-day training program called Go Digital Pacific, held in Suva. The initiative specifically targeted youth and women from the Lami and Qauia communities, aiming to enhance their digital and financial literacy skills.
Facilitated by Senior Tourism Officer Losana Paolo, the program provided participants with practical knowledge on essential digital tools and financial empowerment, with a particular focus on applications relevant to small businesses and the tourism sector. Through this training, attendees acquired valuable skills aimed at improving their employment opportunities and fostering community entrepreneurship, which is crucial for broader economic resilience.
The Go Digital Pacific initiative, led by The Asia Foundation and supported by Google.org, seeks to address the digital and financial literacy gaps prevalent in Pacific Island communities, particularly among women, youth, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. This aligns with Fiji’s broader ambitions under its National Digital Strategy, which aims to train 250,000 individuals in digital skills by 2030. The commitment to inclusivity underlines the importance of ensuring that both women and men can participate equally in the digital economy.
Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka encouraged participants to leverage their newly acquired skills towards fostering local development and enhancing the growth of Fiji’s tourism sector. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to empower Fijians to engage meaningfully in modern economic opportunities while bridging the digital divide in the region.
The proactive measures being taken to promote digital literacy in Fiji, such as the Go Digital Pacific initiative, resonate with ongoing efforts highlighted in previous initiatives, including the establishment of a comprehensive digital literacy curriculum in schools and collaborative programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
Overall, the Ministry’s commitment to digital inclusion represents a hopeful step toward a more equitable future in which all Fijians can thrive in an increasingly digital landscape, contributing positively to the nation’s economic growth. As these initiatives continue to unfold, they foster optimism for transformative growth and enhanced community well-being across Fiji.