To strengthen the leadership of the Vanua, the Fiji National University in collaboration with the Great Council of Chiefs and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs will be offering the Diploma in Vanua Leadership Programme in the first quarter of this year.
The Diploma in Vanua Leadership Programme is a one-year programme funded by the Great Council of Chiefs and is designed for chiefs.
FNU says the aim is to equip traditional leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their roles in modern society while preserving the cultural, social, and spiritual values that are central to the Indigenous Fijian way of life.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, expressed her excitement about the launch of this pioneering programme, saying the Vanua Leadership Programme represents a significant step forward in recognising the vital role that Fijian chiefs play in the social and cultural fabric of our nation.
She says it is cohort-based, with a maximum of 30 students.
Professor Nabobo-Baba says the programme will be delivered through a unique blend of classroom-based learning, workshops, and field-based training, focusing on core areas such as leadership ethics, community governance, conflict mediation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development practices.
She adds that it will also offer deep insights into the history, customs, spiritual practices, and responsibilities of chiefs as custodians of their cultural heritage.
The university says the course will be delivered in both iTaukei and English to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all traditional leaders across Fiji’s provinces.
They add programme aims to nurture and support the next generation of Fijian chiefs in fulfilling their vital leadership roles for the benefit of their communities and the nation.
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