The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in Fiji is taking significant strides to promote digital inclusion with its recent two-day training program, “Go Digital Pacific,” which took place in Suva. This initiative is designed specifically for youth and women from the Lami and Qauia communities, aiming to enhance their digital and financial literacy.
Under the guidance of Senior Tourism Officer Losana Paolo, the program equipped participants with practical knowledge of essential digital tools and financial empowerment strategies, particularly those applicable to small businesses and the tourism sector. By acquiring these valuable skills, attendees are better positioned to improve their employment prospects and promote entrepreneurship within their communities, which is vital for fostering broader economic resilience.
The Go Digital Pacific initiative, spearheaded by The Asia Foundation and supported by Google.org, aims to bridge the significant digital and financial literacy gaps within Pacific Island communities, especially among women, youth, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. This effort aligns with Fiji’s National Digital Strategy, which has set an ambitious goal of training 250,000 individuals in digital skills by 2030, emphasizing inclusivity and equal participation for both women and men in the digital economy.
Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka urged participants to utilize their new skills to foster local development and support the growth of Fiji’s tourism sector. This training reflects a determined effort to enable Fijians to engage meaningfully with modern economic opportunities while addressing the digital divide in the region.
The Go Digital Pacific initiative is part of broader efforts aimed at promoting digital literacy in Fiji, which include the creation of a digital literacy curriculum in schools and collaborative efforts to support vulnerable groups.
As these initiatives progress, they represent a hopeful vision for a future where all Fijians can thrive in an increasingly digital world, significantly contributing to the nation’s economic growth and community well-being. The commitment to empowering local populations underscores a positive trajectory for both individual and collective advancement in Fiji.