The Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Minister Agni Deo Singh visited the Tutu Rural Training Centre yesterday in Taveuni during the Ministry’s Northern tour to reach out to the members of the public.

Singh and the team toured the Centre and lauded the initiative in providing opportunities for the youth of Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata.  

The Centre empowers targeted individuals to take charge of their lives in a rapidly changing world.

Its prime objective is to train people to return home to farm their own land.

The Centre offers courses to young farmers, single mothers, married couples and young women.

The Tutu Rural Training Centre has impacted about 2000 people and most have returned to productive lives, earning a livelihood from farming their land. 

The students learn to build their own houses, make furniture, grow crops and their savings as well as financial literacy.  

The Minister thanked the management of Tutu Rural Training Centre and its predecessors for their foresight and invaluable contribution to the young people of the three provinces in improving livelihoods.

“I am thrilled with this concept and it has been proven to have helped so many families and communities in the Northern division in addressing unemployment and alleviating poverty.”