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APTC honoured by role at TPAF farewell

APTC was honoured by the recent invitation to play a prominent role in the formal Yaqona (kava) Ceremony organised by the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF) as a part of the farewell to retiring TPAF General Manager Technical Training, Mr Kalisana Koroi.
ACEM Painting Trainer, Michael Farrugia, was asked to be Tui ni Yaqona (the cup bearer) as a part of the celebration of Mr Koroi’s extensive career and wealth of experience in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
“I was aware that this was a great privilege,” said Michael, “and that it is unheard of for a Kaivalagi (European) to participate in this way. It is a role usually played by people with specific kinship ties. I felt that the occasion was symbolic of a mutual respect between APTC and TPAF.”
TPAF staff assured Michael that he had fulfilled his role correctly according to Fijian protocol, showing the appropriate respect.
Speaking after the event, Mr Koroi referred positively to the partnership between APTC and TPAF, saying that, “Not only does APTC provide a pathway for workers to have their skills recognised, with industry benefitting from the flow-on effect, but also, TPAF Trainers are benefitting from working along-side their APTC counterparts.”
“There is also the capacity building opportunity for TPAF Technical Training Division staff to undertake Certificate IV in Training and Assessment,” concluded Mr Koroi.
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Trainer Michael Farrugia presenting the cup to Mr Koroi,
while James Kynenburg, ACEM Manager, Product & Content, looks on.