The Fiji National University (FNU) officially opened its Literacy and Numeracy Centre at its Labasa Campus today.
The Centre, which marks the establishment of the first Centre of its kind in the Northern Division, is aimed at strengthening literacy and numeracy support, promoting inclusive learning opportunities and contributing to improved educational outcomes for communities in the North.
The Chief Guest and the Acting Commissioner of Corrections for the Fiji Corrections Service, Mr Auta Moceisuva in his address, highlighted the fundamental importance of literacy and numeracy in education and everyday life.
“Literacy and numeracy are the foundation of all learning. Literacy gives a child the ability to read with understanding, write with clarity, communicate ideas and engage with confidence with the world. Numeracy enables a child to reason with numbers, recognise patterns, solve problems, interpret information and make sound everyday decisions,” said Mr Moceisuva.
Mr Moceisuva added that improving literacy and numeracy is a universal responsibility and a matter of equity.
“Every child, regardless of where that child lives, the language spoken at home, family circumstances, gender, disability or learning need, deserves the opportunity to build a strong foundation. When we improve these foundations, we do more than raise academic achievement. We expand opportunity, reduce inequality and strengthen national development,” he explained.
He also highlighted the importance of the Literacy and Numeracy Assessment, or LANA, as an important national diagnostic tool.
“Its purpose must be understood correctly: assessment is not an end in itself, and it is not about labelling a learner or ranking a school. This is where the FNU Literacy and Numeracy Centre can make an important contribution. As Fiji’s national university, FNU occupies a unique position at the intersection of teacher education, research, policy, professional development and community service,” he further stated.
In encouraging the Centre to play a key role in connecting research, assessment and classroom practice, Mr Moceisuva emphasized the importance of having the Centre as the bridge.
“I encourage the Centre to become a bridge between evidence and practice: a place where research informs classroom teaching; where teachers receive relevant professional support,
where effective local approaches are documented and shared, where assessment data is translated into practical intervention, and where schools, families and communities can find guidance that is accessible and culturally meaningful,” Mr Moceisuva stated.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, in her address emphasised that the Centre would provide an important platform for learners and communities in the North.
She said the Centre would provide a welcoming and supportive environment where learners could build confidence, discover their potential and develop practical skills that would serve them throughout their lives.
“More than the opening of a new facility, today marks the beginning of new opportunities and renewed hope for the people of Vualiku. Whether it is a young child discovering the joy of reading, an adult improving their numeracy skills, or someone courageously returning to education, this Centre will provide the support and encouragement needed to help them move forward with confidence,” said Professor Nabobo-Baba.
She reiterated that FNU remained committed to ensuring that quality education was accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or personal circumstances.
“Education should be accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of every Fijian we are privileged to serve. That is why today’s opening is especially significant. It comes at an exciting time for the University as we prepare to officially open the Labasa Campus tomorrow, which will proudly house this new Literacy and Numeracy Centre,” Professor Nabobo-Baba elaborated.
The opening of the Literacy and Numeracy Centre further strengthens FNU’s commitment to extending educational opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings and ensuring that communities across Fiji have access to meaningful learning support.
Fiji National University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba shared the welcome address.
Chief Guest and the Acting Commissioner of Corrections for the Fiji Corrections Service, Mr Auta Moceisuva delivered his remarks
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba (right) with a guest Chief Guest and the Acting Commissioner of Corrections for the Fiji Corrections Service, Mr Auta Moceisuva at the Literacy and Numeracy Centre.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and Acting Commissioner Auta Moceisuva mark the opening ceremony with a celebratory cake-cutting.
