The iTaukei Land Trust Board has launched an impactful initiative by awarding scholarships to 15 students as part of its newly introduced iTaukei Education Scholarship Programme. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities specifically for iTaukei landowners and marks a significant step towards building human capital within the community.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka presided over the scholarship presentation ceremony and characterized the programme as a strategic effort to cultivate long-term capacity among the iTaukei people. He pointed out that genuine and sustainable prosperity relies not only on the stewardship of land but also on the investment in human resources.
The Prime Minister revealed that the scholarship scheme is crafted to broaden access to quality education and professional training, particularly aiding landowners who encounter financial barriers. He emphasized that the support extends beyond mere tuition, positioning education as a vital force for stronger families, empowered communities, and national advancement.
The inaugural cohort of scholarship recipients is set to pursue studies in six critical fields: Aircraft Engineering, Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, Commercial Pilot Training, Land Surveying, and MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). These disciplines were selected to align with Fiji’s overarching development objectives, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, aviation, and science.
Rabuka highlighted that the chosen fields represent a forward-thinking strategy aimed at nurturing a workforce of highly skilled professionals who can significantly contribute to the nation’s resilience and growth. Reminding the scholarship holders of their dual role as representatives of their families and communities, he urged them to embody excellence, integrity, and commitment to service. Their success would symbolize progress for the larger iTaukei community, he asserted, while reaffirming the TLTB’s commitment to supporting students throughout their educational journey.
Among the scholarship recipients is Rebekah Salailagi Caucau, a fifth-year medical student at the Fiji School of Medicine. She shared the financial challenges she faced during her studies, particularly in the beginning when her siblings contributed to her tuition fees. The scholarship has alleviated some of that pressure, rekindling her determination to complete her medical education. Caucau expressed her gratitude for this opportunity, stating it strengthens her resolve to serve her community in the future.
This scholarship initiative not only empowers the individual recipients but also instills hope for a brighter future within the iTaukei community, potentially leading to significant advancements in various sectors critical to national development.