[8 November 2024: Nauru] – In 2019, Mr. Chubasco Diranga from Nauru embarked on a transformative journey by enrolling in a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a scholarship supported by the European Union and the Government of Sweden through the USP component of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme. With his background in Nauru’s utilities department—primarily in the water sector—he saw firsthand the gaps in foundational skills like English literacy, communication, and basic IT. The course proved to be more than just a qualification; it opened the doors to impactful change within his community and workplace.
After completing his certificate, Mr. Diranga was equipped with an array of instructional strategies. He began by designing and developing teaching programs tailored to the unique needs of his colleagues. Knowing that many of the staff were either underqualified in English, struggled with effective communication, or lacked proficiency in IT, he saw this as an opportunity to uplift the skill level across his department. Every week, Mr. Diranga led training sessions in literacy, communications, and IT, gradually cultivating a culture of learning.
Understanding the importance of adapting to his audience, he implemented many of the training methods he had learned during his studies, but he also tailored them to resonate with his coworkers. Recognizing the limited effectiveness of purely theoretical approaches, he leaned heavily into visual aids and hands-on activities, which he found to be particularly impactful. For example, rather than just lecturing on IT basics, he would demonstrate each task on a shared screen or guide his colleagues through step-by-step processes on their own computers. These methods made complex concepts more accessible and relatable for his team.
As the months passed, Mr. Diranga began noticing tangible improvements in his colleagues’ literacy and communication skills. Conversations became more fluent, emails were more professionally structured, and his coworkers could navigate basic IT tasks with growing confidence. To keep these sessions relevant and engaging, he introduced a suggestion board, encouraging staff to add topics they were curious about or areas where they felt they needed further support. This approach not only empowered his colleagues but also ensured that the training met their evolving needs.
Mr. Diranga’s work didn’t stop at his department. He encouraged his coworkers to consider further professional development through TVET courses available at national institutes. Some were hesitant at first, intimidated by the idea of returning to structured education, but Mr. Diranga’s supportive approach and his own journey through the Certificate IV program inspired them to take that leap.
While his program has had a remarkable impact, Mr. Diranga sees room for growth. He believes that expanding the frequency of face-to-face training sessions in Nauru could amplify the effectiveness of the program, allowing for more personalized interactions and real-time feedback. His dedication and efforts have transformed a department, and his story shines as a testament to the power of education, determination, and the desire to lift others toward a brighter future.
USP is one of four key implementing partners of the EUR 45million PEUMP Programme, which aims to promote sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity. It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to ocean fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action. The PEUMP programme is funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden; and housed within the Institute of Marine Resources within the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS) of USP.
Media contact:
Lore Croker, USP Communications Officer, lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
