MOU signed A step forward for iTaukei studies

THE iTaukei Trust Fund Board (TTFB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Fiji (UniFIJI) on Wednesday which was a step towards the development of the Culture and Arts Centre Project.

According to a statement from TTFB, the MOU was signed with UniFiji’s Centre of iTaukei Studies.

The project was an integrated one which would involve the Centre of iTaukei Studies’ academic study of iTaukei language and culture.

UniFIJI’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the focal point of this relationship was their unique Centre for iTaukei Studies.

“The joint project that is close to our hearts is TTFB’s proposed new Culture and Arts Centre,” she said.

“I have seen the plans and vision of the centre and I’m enthusiastic about its importance for our region.

“The Culture and Arts Centre will harness our Centre for iTaukei Studies’ culture and arts program through an integrated approach which is strategically linked to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.

“This approach will strengthen the iTaukei language and culture for academic study.”

TTFB CEO Aisake Taito said they were exploring avenues for collaborations and partnership to enhance culture and art programs in relation to sustainable development goals.

“An integrated approach, which is both forward-thinking and strategically linked to national goals and objectives, we anticipate will be achieved under this partnership,” he said.

It was stated that COVID-19 had brought new challenges and new demands on tertiary education systems globally.

Coupled with these were the economic unsteadiness and increasing social problems.

As such according to TTFB, university leaders were revising and strengthening their programs and mobilising strategic partnerships in response to new normal brought on by this global pandemic.

One important positive impact of COVID-19 was stated to be how indigenous communities had maintained their interconnectedness and cultural identity.

Living traditional and cultural heritage had become an important source of resilience helping to overcome social and psychological challenges, at the same time strengthen kinship and economic ties as stated by TTFB.

Intangible cultural heritage or the wealth of indigenous knowledge and skills were said to be significantly highlighted in sustainable development initiatives and preservation efforts of governments and civil society organisations.

TTFB stated the objective of this MOU was to identify possible avenues for collaboration and to establish the basis of mutual collaboration, within the context of both TTFB and UniFIJI’s mandate and existing obligations.

Both TTFB and UniFIJI agreed to collaborate and strengthen the iTaukei knowledge by sharing project responsibilities and financial commitments.

The joint project that is close to our hearts is TTFB’s proposed new Culture and Arts Centre Pro-VC Shaista Shameem

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