The Fiji Times » Teachers attend career teachers workshop in Labasa

Dedication and passion are evident in Saqani High School teacher Samulea Vadei who woke up at 4am to embark on a journey of over 80 kilometers to attend the 2023 Fiji National University (FNU) Professional Teachers Workshop at the Naduna Campus in Labasa on Friday.

Despite the long travel time, she wanted to learn more about the options available to her students and how she could help them with their career path and enrollment process at FNU.

As a math and physics teacher, Vadei understands the importance of helping students reach their full potential and become successful individuals.

“I woke up early and hit the road in time to catch the earliest bus at 5.30am. After traveling a long distance, I arrived in Labasa at 09:00, before the workshop started”, said Vadei.

“The Career Teacher Workshop is very beneficial, especially for teachers like me who come from rural campuses. Students can access information about the course offerings offered at the Labasa Campus, without having to travel to Suva. I have learned that most of the courses are taught at the Labasa Campus.’

Pardeep Lal, Head, Naduna Campus, said career teachers play an important role in helping students reach their full potential and build fulfilling and sustainable careers.

“With their expertise and dedication, career teachers empower students to dream big, work smart and make their mark,” she said.

“This workshop provides a suitable platform for career teachers to provide correct information and guidance to students.”

Lal added, “Teachers in the Northern division can help students become successful people in their lives, and this workshop has equipped them with the right knowledge and skills to advise students on choosing the right career path.”

Vishal Lal, FNU Manager Outreach, who spearheaded the workshop campaign, emphasized that for FNU to provide access to quality education to all students, the University must provide adequate knowledge about programs, courses, enrollment processes and other services.

He also stated that the Vocational Teachers play a decisive role in this process, because they are the link between FNU and the students. By providing teachers with the necessary information and guidance, they can communicate effectively with students and help them make decisions about their academic and professional careers. This collaborative effort will not only benefit students, but will contribute to the growth and development of the University as a whole.

“We had more than 25 teachers at the workshop in Labasa, and in general we had successful workshops in Ba, Nadi and Suvan in the last two weeks. By providing students with a solid foundation of knowledge and tailored guidance, educators can help them navigate the complexities of the modern world and make informed decisions about their futures. With the right tools and support, students can overcome challenges, seize opportunities and make meaningful contributions to their communities and country.”

Ahmadiyya Muslim College principal Mashud Ali with 16 years of teaching experience said it was a privilege to participate in the workshop.

“The Career Teacher Workshop was very informative and surely beneficial for the students in our schools, where we will have the opportunity to clearly disseminate the information a student needs to choose their subject combination, programs and how to fill out the forms. ,” he said.

“I see opportunities like this at the door and FNU offers a wide range of courses. I’m delighted to know that FNU also offers Year 11 students coming out of our school system, where they can do certificate-level programs and move up the ladder.”

Teachers from marine areas can also join the virtual session on April 5th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.