‘Nature has spoken’
Students to undergo attachment
AN intrinsic connection to the environment has accorded indigenous communities in the Oceania region to lead the fight against climate change, not just out of choice, but necessity.
This, according to Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Isikeli Tuiwailevu.
Speaking at the Oceania First Voices Forum in Suva on Tuesday, Mr Tuiwailevu said there were continuous issues brought about as the result of climate change.
“Today, we bear witness to unprecedented acts of nature across the world, from cyclones, king tides and raging bushfires,” he said.
“Nature has spoken. Have we listened? How have we responded? How will we respond?
“Our theme for this year’s forum – ‘one voice, one people, one world’, is a reminder to us all that regardless of national boundaries and cultural differences, we are all connected.”
He urged the representatives from the Oceania region to exchange ideas, lessons learnt and best practices from their respective communities in response to climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development goals over the two-day forum.
“In Fiji, when we are born, we are born to a mataqali, or clan. The mataqali has land where we can grow food crops or hunt for sustenance, and a qoliqoli, or fishing area.
“We are taught from a young age that the land is communal and is shared not just by the present inhabitants but must be protected for the future generations.
“We are but custodians of this land. It is not ours to plunder, pillage and leave barren, but ours to nurture and protect. From birth, we are given all we need to survive.”
He added that as countries charted a way forward toward a climate-resilient future, such gatherings played a vital role in assuring everyone that “we are not alone”.
“We are all connected in the fight against climate change.”
MEDICAL students under the Fiji National University are to undergo work attachment at the Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd after the signing of the memorandum of understanding on Monday at the Nasinu Campus.
The MOU involves the provision of work attachments for students within OHPL’s healthcare environment, providing exposure to healthcare support services and allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
Vice Chancellor Dr Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said they were very grateful for OHPL’s provision of an “Attachment allowance”, recognising the value of student participation.
Dr Bobo said it would create an invaluable learning experience in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“We will explore opportunities for OHPL’s participation in student workshops, the establishment of advisory positions, career advising for graduates, and the potential sponsorship of awards recognising exceptional achievement,’ said Dr Bobo.
CEO Murgessan Pillay said OHPL recognises its role in fostering a knowledge-based society and nurturing the next generation of industry experts.
“Through these attachments, students will benefit from practical exposure, supplemented by ongoing monitoring and support fostering their professional growth and development,” he said. Mr Pillay said the partnership exemplifies their dedication to making an effective contribution to the national education agenda and helping pave the way for students’ transition from academia to industry.