19, December, Suva- Training on Boat Master License and Class 6 Captain is currently being facilitated by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Ekubu village, in Vatulele.

A total of 42 youth participants from Lomanikaya, Bouwaqa, Ekubu and Taunovo are currently attending the training intended to provide awareness on water safety and boat master licensing.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Honourable Laisenia Tuitubou, encouraged youth participants to make the most of the training and use their knowledge to increase further awareness among other youths in their villagers.

“I would like to encourage the participants to make the most of such training” he said. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports wishes provides equal opportunities to the rural and maritime youths in terms of developing their skills and finding permanent employment.”

One of the youth participants, Ms. Kristiana Taninaloka of Ekubu village, said “I am going to work in a hotel soon and this training inspired me to change my career,” she said. “There is no female captain on this island and now I will tell my parents not to hire boat captains around the village as I will master our boat.” “I would like to thank the Ministry for bringing this training to our Island.”

The training, which is funded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, commenced on 11 December and will conclude on 22 December 2017.