The challenges of a rising cost of living, access to quality education, and employment opportunities remain critical issues for many Fijians today.
At the National Federation Party Annual Convention, Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh addressed these pressing concerns facing ordinary citizens.
While speaking on the issue of cost of living, Singh says that much of the inflation is driven by external factors beyond the government’s control.
He says while the government cannot control all factors influencing prices, it has increased the minimum wage to address the cost of living.
Singh also emphasised that the government’s focus is on making education accessible to all Fijian children.
He says that free education is now available from kindergarten through to university, providing opportunities for every child regardless of background.
He says although some people claim scholarships are based on ethnicity or other factors, this is not the case and the process is completely merit-based.
While speaking about employment, Singh says that if people claim there is no employment in the country, then that is the greatest lie.
He says there are plenty of job opportunities available for those who want to work.
He highlighted efforts to foster a more collaborative environment between employers, workers, and the government.
Singh also described initiatives aimed at supporting young graduates, including workplace attachment programmes that provide paid work experience for diploma and degree holders.
Singh says people can work for three to six months, after which they will have the opportunity to secure full-time employment.
He says many young people are taking advantage of this after finishing secondary school by joining apprenticeships with various companies while continuing their studies.
He adds that there are numerous opportunities in the trades.
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