Retired Fijians who served under the Fiji Voluntary Scheme will be able to re-apply for the initiative.

Minister for Employment Parveen Kumar says Fijians whose contracts expired earlier this year are still serving in Tuvalu due to an arrangement with the Tuvalu Government.

Fijian retirees have been highly praised for their contribution to Tuvalu’s education sector.

The Employment Minister says our small Pacific Island neighbors are also seeking expertise in various other fields to help boost their performance and economy.

“This is a demand and supply situation. Whatever demand will be, we will fulfill because we have got the listing with the department of employment center. Not only for teachers but for nurses and now I’m told by the various high commissioner of retired teachers and nurses. They also want people who are involved in fisheries and agriculture.”

Tuvalu’s High Commissioner to Fiji Temate Melitiana says the programme will allow Fijians to help Tuvalu achieve its sustainable development strategies.

“Education is one of the main 13 main priority areas identified under Tuvalu’s national strategies for sustainable development 2016 to 2020. In this priority areas, of education the main goal is to provide high quality education for our student in Tuvalu. This partnership agreement between Tuvalu and Fiji has been ongoing for many years.”

The Minister for Employment expressed his gratitude to the Tuvalu Government for continuing to engage Fiji’s brain trust.

“The Fijian government is also grateful to the government of Tuvalu in continuing to engage our Fijian volunteer teachers following the expiry of the agreement in April 2019, at the middle of the school’s academic calendar to ensure that the student’s learning was not affected.”

The renewed agreement will allow retired Fijians in various field to register themselves with the ministry if they wish to serve in a neighbouring Pacific Island country.