Fiji has lost around 3% of its population due to migration to developed countries, a trend driven by labor demands. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro discussed the issue during talks with China about vocational scholarships to address local workforce challenges, aiming to send 50 students annually to study in key technical fields. This initiative is set to begin with the next national budget cycle.
Fiji has experienced a permanent population loss of approximately 3% as citizens migrate to developed countries, significantly driven by labor demand in these regions. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro emphasized this issue during talks with China regarding vocational scholarship funding, highlighting the adverse effects on Fiji’s labor market.
Radrodro noted that Fiji faces ongoing workforce challenges, particularly due to the emigration of skilled workers to countries like Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. He pointed out that competing national priorities hinder the government’s ability to invest in the development of a skilled workforce.
According to the 2019 Bureau of Statistics data, 64% of jobs in Fiji are situated within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. However, local training institutions struggle to deliver updated training, resources, and facilities required for adapting to changing industry standards.
The Minister expressed a desire for the Chinese government to provide vocational scholarships for Fijian students in key fields, such as solar energy engineering and agricultural engineering. These scholarships would be managed jointly by the two countries, with oversight from the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) to ensure graduates return to Fiji.
Plans include sending 50 students annually for three years, totaling 150 beneficiaries from this initiative. Chinese Ambassador Zhou Jian reported that discussions regarding this partnership appear promising, and if approved, TSLS will collaborate with selected Chinese institutions to align training with Fiji’s workforce needs.
This initiative will be incorporated into Fiji’s national budget for 2025-2026, launching a new scholarship program, underpinned by China’s support. The meeting included key figures such as Ambassador Zhou Jian and TSLS representatives, reinforcing the potential for strategic educational collaboration.
Fiji is grappling with a skill drain, reflecting a 3% loss in its workforce to developed nations, which Minister Radrodro attributes to labor demand abroad. In response, the government seeks partnerships, notably with China, to fund vocational training scholarships aimed at cultivating local expertise and ensuring that graduates contribute to Fiji’s economy upon their return.
Original Source: www.fijivillage.com
