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 | Chief Guest, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE), Dr Akanisi Kedrayate conferring certificates and diplomas to the first batch of RCCCE graduates. |
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The University of the South Pacific, in line with its Strategic Plan 2013-2018, is fulfilling its objective of rationalising and strengthening Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the region.
The USP Regional Centre for Continuing and Community Education (RCCCE) successfully held its first graduation ceremony on Saturday 3 August, 2013, where 115 students graduated, 59% of whom were female.
The graduation ceremony saw students from various backgrounds, graduate with awards ranging from the Professional Diploma in Business Leadership, Professional Training Certificate for Senior Secretaries and Personal Assistants, to the Certificate in Office Administration and Management.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Guest, Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE) Dean, Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, said she was delighted to be part of the graduation.
She said “the role of RCCCE is very critical to USP and the countries in the region because it offers vocational and professional programmes which address the needs and gaps in the workforce”. It also provides pathways for students who want to pursue further studies after graduating with certificates.
She told the graduates that it was their special day, and that “learning is a lifelong process. It does not end today, it begins today”.
“Now that you have reached this juncture in your life, keep going on in your pursuit of knowledge. In the 21st century, we need a workforce that is educated, ethical, technologically-savvy positive and community-focused,” she said.
The Dean together with Fiji Public Service Commission Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr Iliesa Lutu and the Pacific Island Centre for Public Administration (PICPA) Director, Mr Siosiua Utoikamanu conferred awards to the graduates.
RCCCE Manager, Mr Hasmukh Lal, thanked the guests, and the families of the graduates for being present and bearing witness to the first RCCCE graduation ceremony.
He said “the Centre is committed to delivering vocational programmes, short course trainings and community education in the region”. He also wished the graduates well in their endeavor.
The RCCCE will expand its offering of vocational and professional programmes through accreditation, with all its programmes being aligned to address the skills gap in the region.
The Centre will be partnering with accredited professional bodies with global recognition to support workforce development. It is currently holding a purchasing and supply training from 6 to 8 August, in partnership with Charted Institute of Purchasing & Supply Australasia (CIPSA) for skilling of procurement personnel’s in the region.
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