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A night of ‘firsts’ at Fiji graduation
In a night of ‘firsts’ for APTC, a grand total of ninety-nine students graduated at a ceremony held at the Tanoa Hotel in Nadi, Fiji, the largest APTC graduation ceremony to date. Mr Jim Irwin, APTC School, Tourism and Hospitality (STH) Fiji Country Manager, confirmed that it was to be a unique ceremony with first graduates in Health and Community Services, the first Patisserie graduates from the Namaka campus, and the first graduates from the live-in training facility at the Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel. Ms Angela Hoare-Lippmann, Head of School, Health and Community Services (SHCS), Mr Anthony Bailey, Head of STH, both addressed the graduates.
Ms Hoare-Lippmann emphasised the crucial importance of early childhood education upon the future development of young minds, and Mr Bailey reminded the STH graduates that they were joining the future leaders of tourism and hospitality in the Pacific region. AusAID Counsellor, Ms Romaine Kwesius, was one of the special guests who presented the graduates with their certificates. Also in attendance at the ceremony were members of the APTC Advisory Group.
Keynote speaker, Mr Josefa Tuamoto, CEO of Tourism Fiji, acknowledged the commitment of the Australian Government to the development and work of APTC. Mr Tuamoto urged the graduates to be proud of themselves and what they do. In conclusion, Mr Tuamoto reminded the new alumni members that, “Your graduation is the first step of a life-long journey. Don’t rest on your laurels.”
Mr Josefa Tuamoto, CEO Tourism Fiji, presenting Ms Alelia Nagatalevu with Certificate III in Children’s Services, with (from left) Children’s Services Trainers, Ms Cheryl Payne, Ms Kerryn Puckey and Head of School, Health and Community Services, Ms Angela Hoare-Lippmann.