710 graduate from FNU-certified Alternative Pathways Program
710 graduate
from FNU-certified Alternative Pathways Program
The Alternative Pathways Program (APP) under the Department of
Multicultural Affairs (DMA) in partnership with the Fiji National
University's (FNU) National Training and Productive Centre held its
second and largest graduation ceremony for 710 participants at the
Centennial Hall, 26 April.
His Excellency President David Adeang, Minister for the
Department of Multicultural Affairs, attended the ceremony along
with FNU's Chancellor Semesa Karavaki, Minister Charmaine Scotty,
Deputy Minister Isabella Dageago, Australian High Commissioner Sara
Moriarty, Chief Secretary Leona Waidabu, and Secretary for DMA
Daniel Eoe.
Following the national anthem sung by the FNU students,
Secretary Eoe formally opened the ceremony to confer certificates
of attainment.
He acknowledged the ongoing "collaboration and partnership of
the Fiji National University and the Government of Nauru with the
support of the Commonwealth of Australia".
President Adeang congratulated the graduates for their
dedication and becoming the embodiment of Nauru's potential and
determination.
"It is my government's profound honour and my personal honour to
address the largest graduation assembly that Nauru has
witnessed.
"Our nation faces the formidable challenge of navigating the
economy shifts and the consequent impact on jobs. The Alternative
Pathways Program stands as a beacon of your government's unwavering
support and commitment to equipping the people of Nauru with
essential skills to thrive in this new landscape."
President Adeang reaffirmed the government's pledge to expand
the APP to "bridge our citizens to higher education for those who
seek to reach further."
Mr Karavaki also commended the graduates for their remarkable
achievements that resulted from the culminations of hard work,
dedication and perseverance.
"As you embark on this next sector of your life remember that
the skills and knowledge you have acquired are not just tools for
personal advancement but also instruments for positive change in
your communities and beyond."
Mr Andrew Palik delivered the graduates' address expressing
gratitude to the Government of Nauru for their support through the
Alternative Pathways Program and the FNU trainers for their
guidance throughout the courses.
The FNU senior officials also met with President Adeang, 23
April, to discuss the progress of the in-country courses, ways to
tackle the shared challenges and improve the development of work
skills and education through DMA's Alternative Pathways
program.
The first FNU graduation under the Alternative Pathways Program
to be held in Nauru was in 2023 with over 100 participants
graduating from the first session of FNU trainings; while this
ceremony saw 710 participants from the second to sixth sessions of
the FNU trainings since 2023.
ENDS///