Shweta Devi Chand’s passion for working with young children and contributing to their positive growth led her to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) at The University of the South Pacific (USP).
“The early years of a child’s life are the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour, and health. I believe that by providing children with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment, we can help them reach their full potential,” Chand shared.
The 29-year-old from Korovou in Tailevu, Fiji has always felt a deep connection towards children and enjoys being a part of their learning journey and developmental growth.
“ECEC also gives me the opportunity to be a role model and influence young minds in a meaningful way. I want to help children build confidence, develop empathy, and learn how to form positive relationships. I am also passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that respect each child’s background, abilities, and interests.”
Chand’s passion was further fuelled in 2013 when she attended the USP Open Day at the Laucala Campus in Suva. She attended as a Year 12 student of Tailevu North College.
“I was particularly impressed with the displays and interactive activities set up by different departments, especially those related to education and early childhood care. They gave me a real sense of what studying at USP would be like and the kind of support and opportunities available to students.”
The booth that stood out to Chand was the School of Pacific Arts, Communications and Education (SPACE), especially the engaging presentations and interactive activities for ECEC.
“Another highlight was a career advice session, where current USP students and lecturers spoke about their experiences, the structure of the courses, and future job opportunities. Hearing directly from them made the experience more real and relatable, and it gave me confidence that I was choosing the right path,” she added.
Chand says that the Open Day helped shape her decision to pursue her studies at USP by giving her a clear insight into the facilities and the supportive learning environment that the University offered.
Having graduated with an ECEC Certificate III in 2024, Chand is currently pursuing a diploma in the same field.
“The lecturers are supportive, and the learning environment is welcoming and inclusive. I’ve enjoyed participating in practical activities that closely reflect what I saw during the Open Day displays. Overall, I feel confident and motivated in my studies, knowing I made the right choice.”
“Early childhood education is always evolving, and I am excited to keep growing alongside the children I support. This career allows me to combine my love for teaching, creativity, and care, making it the perfect path for me.”
Chand’s advice to students attending the KPMG USP 2025 Open Day is to explore as many booths and sessions as possible, ask questions, take notes and gather information to make well-informed decisions about their future.
“Most importantly, enjoy the experience and keep an open mind—you never know what might inspire you.”
The School of Pacific Arts, Communications and Education (SPACE) includes the disciplines of Education, Journalism and Media, Linguistics and Languages, Literature and the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies.
Students and visitors interested in learning more can visit the KPMG USP 2025 Open Day at the Laucala, Lautoka and Labasa campuses on Friday, 15 August 2025.
Visit the USP website on https://www.usp.ac.fj/open-day/ for more details.
