Six outstanding secondary school students, three from Motufoua Secondary School and three from Fetuvalu Secondary School, have successfully completed a three-week attachment programme with the Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD). This group, consisting of five girls and one boy, represents the second cohort of students participating in the initiative for the current year.
Launched in 2023, the Fisheries Attachment Programme is designed to inspire and engage bright young students in pursuing a career in fisheries. Last year, the programme welcomed its first cohort, which included six students (four girls and two boys) selected from over 30 applicants. Participants are chosen based on their performance in a fisheries-focused test paper and are provided with hands-on experience covering TFD’s three main sections over a three-week period.
The programme aims to give students valuable insights into the field of fisheries before they choose their courses for university study, aligning with efforts to cultivate local talent for the sector. This year’s cohort had the opportunity to work closely with TFD staff, learning about various aspects of fisheries operations, including conservation, development, and resource management.
Speaking about his experience, Falesa Filo, one of the participants, shared, “I really enjoyed the three weeks attachment as I learned a lot of valuable insights in the fisheries field. The most interesting part for me was working with the Coastal Section, where I got to visit conservation areas and work in managing coastal marine resources and sustainable fishing practices.”
The Honorable Minister for Natural Resources Development, Saaga Talu Teafa, presented certificates of appreciation to the students at a ceremony held today at the Fisheries Conference Office. In his remarks, the Minister praised the students for their dedication and emphasized the importance of nurturing their talents.
“This attachment programme is an investment in the future of our fisheries sector,” said Minister Teafa. “I am inspired by the passion and hard work of these young students. I encourage the Fisheries Department to continue supporting this initiative and to explore opportunities to provide scholarships for future students interested in this critical field. By doing so, we can ensure that Tuvalu’s marine resources are sustainably managed and preserved for generations to come.”
TFD extended its gratitude to the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme (TFSP), New Zealand, for providing financial support to make this initiative possible.
As the programme continues to grow, it is expected to play a key role in nurturing the next generation of leaders in fisheries, ensuring the sustainable management of Tuvalu’s marine resources for years to come.