One of the ways that the Coalition Government is trying to narrow the gap that exists between education and employment is by providing $150 million in funding to the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Scheme (TSLS) to assist approximately 21,000 students.
While officiating at the Waidina College Golden Jubilee celebration, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says by partnering with key education stakeholders, the government has been able to offer scholarships for 300 students to undertake industry-based training and obtain a Certificate or Diploma with employers such as Energy Fiji Limited or Telecom.
He says this will surely expand the horizons for some 300 students, who upon completion of their program will have the opportunity to be employed by the employers that trained them.
Professor Prasad says the Government has also introduced the Hardship Assistance Scheme to support private students who perform well academically, but through no fault of their own, experience financial hardships.
He says that through this scheme, students studying at all levels, from diplomas to degrees, will be assisted.
He adds raising standards together is about creating pathways for all students and not just the top performers.
Professor Prasad says these new schemes reflect more than just an investment in education and they demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering the people and equipping them, not only with an education but also skills and opportunities for employment.
He says this aligns with the soon-to-be-launched new National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 and adds this is the comprehensive nation-building strategy for improving the quality of life of all Fijians.
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