89 women graduated from the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre

It was a joyous and memorable moment for 89 women who graduated from the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre earlier this week.

Mother of two, Akata Fonmanu who graduated with a National Certificate in Aged Care and Community Care acknowledged the effort by the Centre in improving the lives of women from various communities around Fiji.

Fonmanu says she faced financial challenges as she is living with her children and retired parents, and are dependent on social pension to be able to run the family.

She says she had the spirit to do something for her children and parents and that is when she registered herself for the 6-month training.

Fonmanu is now planning to go to Australia and find a job to support her children and parents.

The Manager of the Vocational Centre, Shagufta Shah says the mission of the centre is to support underprivileged women and be able to earn for themselves.

Shah says 38 graduated with the National Certificate in Aged Care and Community Care (Level 3), 18 with the National Certificate in Fashion, Manufacturing and Design (Level 2) and 33 with the Culinary and Pastry Certificate

She says so far 1,600 women have graduated in different courses.