Twenty-seven women completed a six months Single Women’s Course at the Tutu Rural Training School in Taveuni.

During their graduation ceremony on Thursday, 1st August, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana said that their six months of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and perseverance has certainly paid off.

“Your accomplishments deserve applause and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 27 young women who have completed their training. This marks a significant milestone in your lives and is a testament to your commitment to learning and personal growth and I am confident that you will continue to achieve greatness in all your future endeavours,” said Dr. Tukana.

“To the management, staff, and trainers of this centre, thank you for your dedication and commitment to training and empowering 27 young women with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to undertake their duties more efficiently and competently.”

“I was informed that this training programme has been running for the past 29 years, building capacities for young women with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their personal and professional goals. Despite the many challenges faced, the Tutu Rural Training Centre has been resilient, remained steadfast and is still in operation today. On that note, I take this time to acknowledge and thank the church and the Society of Mary for their support over the years and for providing a platform where young single women can be trained and be prepared physically and spiritually for their future,” added Dr. Tukana.

Dr. Tukana added that government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways continues to support the Tutu Rural Training Centre and this support has been in the form of financial grants allocated to the training centre to ensure that its operations continue and for the implementation of its capital programs.

“I am happy to announce that your budget for the 2024 – 2025 financial has increased by $300,000, so your total budget for the new financial year is $FJ 1.2 million dollars. With this financial support to the Tutu Training Centre, the government anticipates that the centre will continue to influence growth that will lead to sustainable rural development and economic in Fiji,” stressed Dr. Tukana.

“To the young women, as you graduate from this renowned training centre, you are not just exiting with a certificate, but you are exiting with skill sets that have been improved and fine-tuned and with that, the capacity to achieve greater things in life. We look forward to seeing you in the field making an impact and carving out a bright future for yourselves, the sector and our country. The government relies on you to play that critical technical role on your farms and in your communities.”

Graduate, Maria Flora Loulou, a single Mother of three, from Karoko village, Tunuloa in Cakaudrove plans to build her own house.

She currently lives with her parents and children at their family home in Karoko.

“I have been obsessed with floriculture since growing up and attending this course has only enhanced my knowledge on the various types of designs and flower arrangements,” she smiled.

“I will definitely expand my handicraft and floriculture business and hope to approach the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for further assistance,” added Ms Loulou.

The ministry is also encouraging more women in agriculture and hope that interest for various farming programs will increase in our rural and maritime communities.

-ENDS-

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