Training provides license for Northern youths
Suva, May 22 – Thirty-five young men of Vanua Levu received certificates of basic chainsaw operation after completing a two-week training course at Nabavatu village in Macuata.
The training was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in partnership with the Ministry of Forests for the youths to learn about basic chainsaw operation, handling, care and safety.
According to Acting Principal Youth Officer Northern Division, Mr Taniela Tuinaceva, “There were 20 youth representing 10 youth clubs from Macuata province, eight youths from Bua province, four from Cakaudrove province and three travelled across to Vanua Levu to attend the training.”
“The training was held due to the requests received for chainsaws from youth clubs,” said Mr Tuinaceva. “The Ministry deemed it necessary to ensure that we provide basic knowledge and skills to youths before we deliver the chainsaws which have been requested.”
“The Ministry is conscious of the safety issues involved and so the training is to empower youths before we provide the equipment” said Mr Tuinaceva. “After the training, they have not only become knowledgeable but have also become licensed chainsaw operators.”
“The license they received can also be a window of opportunity for employment for these rural youths,” added Mr Tuinaceva.
Benedito Maikitu of Dogoru village youth club in Macuata said; “I am so grateful for this training and we have learnt such many vital information about chainsaw management.”
“The training has taught me of the basic care and safety issues we need always to take heed of while operating a chainsaw,” said Benedito.
Kali Sabe of Navilevu Youth Club, Nakawakawa in Bua shared similar sentiment that “we will definitely be better chainsaw operators because of the training.”
“The training has helped eliminate our bad practices and now we will adopt the best practices learnt from the training,” said Kali.
Mr Tuinaceva added that the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou, will tour the Northern Division in early June 2017 and will hand over chainsaws to several youth clubs which attended the training.