Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized the importance of focus and discipline for the newly-awarded scholarship recipients as they embark on their academic pursuits. During the launch of the 2026 Scholarship Awards facilitated by the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), Mr. Rabuka addressed the first cohort of 15 iTaukei students selected under this significant national education initiative.
In his speech, he strongly encouraged the students to avoid distractions such as peer pressure and substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol. “I urge you to not get distracted by peer pressure or get involved with drugs and alcohol,” he stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining a clear focus on their educational goals.
Mr. Rabuka pointed out that the TLTB Education Scholarship Fund is a crucial investment made possible by the collaborative efforts of landowners, stating, “This scholarship fund is an investment in our people, an investment in potential, and an investment in the long-term prosperity of iTaukei landowners.” He stressed the need for recipients to remain committed to their ambitions and remember the reasons behind their pursuit of higher education.
This scholarship initiative, supported by the iTaukei Wealth Fund, aims to provide structured and equitable access to higher education for iTaukei students, especially those from rural, maritime, and urban communities. It offers financial assistance that is merit-based, need-based, and tailored to specific fields such as engineering, healthcare, aviation, business, information technology, finance, and land resource management.
In addition to tuition support, the program provides mentorship and internship opportunities, while recipients will be required to work in Fiji for three to five years following the completion of their studies. Mr. Rabuka acknowledged the efforts of chiefs and landowners from TLTB-managed lands who contributed a portion of their earnings to establish this impactful program. He concluded his address by urging the scholarship recipients to make the most of the opportunities presented to them.
Overall, the initiative represents a hopeful step towards empowering iTaukei youth and ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to succeed in their educational journeys, ultimately benefiting the broader community.