Characteristics of youths in my context
Suggested offerings for open schooling:
Youths in Fiji would need to develop life skills. Skills that would ensure that youths are employed. These skills could include
plumbing
carpentry and joinery
tile laying
clothing and textile skills
agricultural skills
coaching skills
baking skills
Schools could assist by ensuring that these skills are offered as options and opportunities for students from Year 11. Reintroduce TVET courses into schools or open up TVET centres around the country that is accessible for the districts. The TVET courses should at least offer recognised Trade Certificates for Youths upon successfully completing the course.
Characteristics of Youths in Fiji in terms of their life needs may include the following:
Access to Quality Education- Open Schools can provide effective programs to support individual needs to provide adequate skills to lay appropriate foundations for lifelong learning.
Access to Digital Literacy-Open schools can provide effective ICT learning gadgets and equipment to youths especially in remote and maritime areas and at the same time provide courses to enhance their knowledge and skills in utilizing various ICT learning and communication tools.
Access to Technical and Vocational Training-Open Schools can highly equip young people with essential knowledge and practical skills.However,its systems must be sufficiently mature to adapt to changing employment structures and skills demand.
Enhance Entrepreneurial Skills-Open schools can provide youths to create value in developing good relationships,competency to master technology and deliver services and also to enable contingency in directing and steering own business operations.At the end of the day they will be powerful critical thinkers and risk takers.
Empower strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills-Open schools can empower them since it is vital in all aspects of life since it is essential and crucial,where being able to communicate effectively can make a big difference in ones career path.
Instill Values and Ethics-Open schools can empower them by instilling and equipping them with values and ethics which will surely help them master the instruments of learning,apply it to their everyday lives in order to live together,resolve conflicts,promote peace and respect for others cultures and values.
(i)Characteristics of youths in terms of their life needs.
Today’s youths needs to have the basic knowledge / skills such as:
1.Simple carpentering skills.
2.Knowledge of agricultural farming for survival.
3.Wielding.
4.Plumbing fitting .
5.Hotel catering skills
6.Automotive
7. office administration
(i)Suggestion for open schooling in our country
1.So that children develop skills from their earlier stage of life and belong masters.
2.If students learn the basic skills, they will become master of their field and it will reduce unemployment. More job offers will be there.
3.If more employment it will reduce the criminal activities and bring down crime rate in our country.
4.There will be a rise in the economy of our country
Learning Activity 1
Todays’ youth grow up with mobile phones, and are very active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram etc and spend a lot of time on the Internet. They spend their day texting, chatting, playing games and surfing the net.
Students lack interest in old teaching methods and prefer to watch power-point slides and movies in the learning processes. Moreover, they want to be independent and make independent decisions.
At the same time todays’ youth are looking for brighter future and better pay. Fiji is losing skilled workers through migration to Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada. Migration is an issue for Fiji.
Fijians are leaving for greener pastures to neighboring developed countries. The Fijian government to address the skills gap is looking at rebuilding of the technical education system. Fiji is focusing on skills development and training at all levels of its educational system.
Our curriculum should prepare students with skills needed in the job market. In Fiji, there is a gap between what the labour market needs and what an individual possesses. Hence unemployment or under performance at work. Courses offered must be designed to meet the requirements of the labour market and what the industry needs. There a need for TVET to include upskilling or reskilling courses especially digital upskilling in the industrial, agricultural and service sectors as there is a rise in use of technology in industrial processes and the labour force needs are changing.
Characteristics of youths in my country
Suggested offerings for open schooling:
In my own context, the characteristics of Fijian youth can vary, but few common aspects build up their lives and needs while in the communities.
a) community and social engagement: these social connections and community involvement are common facts for Fijian youth, reflecting the importance of communal bonds in Fijian culture.
b) cultural identity: scores of Fijian youths often maintain and taken care of their culturally identity, which plays an importance role in shaping their values and worldview.
c) educational aspiration: many Fijian youths have aspirations for education and skills development to enhance their future prospects.
there are a lot of Fijian youth who attended the vocational schools so that it carried out their potential to be shown up and employed.
2.Below are some means and ways that Fiji government offering for open schooling:
a) healthcare training programs- this are courses for healthcare assistants, community health workers, and paramedics to address the growing needs in the healthcare sector.
b) Tourism and hospitality training: the government specialized these courses in hospitality, tourism management, and cultural sensitivity to meet the demands of Fiji’s tourism industry.
(i)Characteristics of youths in terms of their life needs.
Today’s youths needs to have the basic knowledge / skills such as:
1.Simple carpentering skills.
2.Knowledge of agricultural farming for survival.
3.Wielding.
4.Plumbing fitting .
5.Hotel catering skills
6.Automotive
7. office administration
(i)Suggestion for open schooling in our country
1.So that children develop skills from their earlier stage of life and belong masters.
2.If students learn the basic skills, they will become master of their field and it will reduce unemployment. More job offers will be there.
3.If more employment it will reduce the criminal activities and bring down crime rate in our country.
4.There will be a rise in the economy of our country
In Fiji Youths some of the common life needs are:
From these life needs the Open Schools in Fii can provide campaigns and awareness to the youths on different life education skills. While lack of education plays a crucial role, another reason for the skill gap is poor collaboration between education institutions and the hiring companies. Secondly, Youths needs education centres where they are fully equiped with technologies so that they are familiarize themselves with technologies. Many Fiji Youths nowadys they are not technology literate but they have that passion for learning. Thirdly is strengthening of ICT Classes.
Life Needs would include the following:
Education and Personal Development- Access to quality education that prepares them for further studies or the workforce.
Health and Wellness- Access to affordable healthcare and mental health services.
Career Preparation and Employment-Training and education in in-demand fields and industries
Suggested offerings for open schooling
• Online Learning Platforms:
One of the most effective ways to provide open schooling is through online learning platforms.
• These platforms offer a wide range of courses and resources that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, providing flexibility for learners.
Vocational Training Programs:
• The skills gaps identified in the job market, vocational training programs should be included in open schooling offerings.
• These programs can provide practical skills training in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, automotive repair, health care assistance, and hospitality management.
Entrepreneurship Education:
• Promoting entrepreneurship education is crucial for equipping young people with the necessary skills to start their own businesses or become self-employed.
• Open schooling can offer courses on business management, marketing strategies, financial literacy, and innovation.
Characteristics of youths in Fiji in terms of their life needs are as follows:
• Need for a quality and accessible education
• Flexible Curriculum Options
• Flexible Scheduling
• Engagement in community and civic activities
• Personalized Learning Plans
• ICT convenience and training
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Diverse Learning Materials
• Mental Health and Well-being Support
• Career Counselling
• Work-Integrated Learning
Characteristics of Youth in Fiji:
Cultural Diversity and Identity: Fijian youth often have diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting the multi-ethnic nature of the country. They may identify with indigenous Fijian culture, Indo-Fijian culture, or other ethnic backgrounds.
Educational Aspirations: Many Fijian youth aspire to pursue higher education and seek opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge for future careers.
Community Involvement: Fijian youth may actively participate in community activities, including cultural events, religious gatherings, and community service.
Challenges in Access to Opportunities: Some youth in Fiji, particularly in rural areas, face challenges accessing quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Life Needs of Youth in Fiji:
Accessible Education: Ensure that education is accessible to all Fijian youth, including those in remote areas.
Cultural Preservation: Offer programs and initiatives that preserve and promote Fijian culture, languages, and traditions, both within and outside the formal education system.
Vocational and Technical Training: Develop vocational and technical training programs to address skills gaps in the Fijian job market, especially in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and healthcare.
Suggested Offerings for Open Schooling in Fiji:
Flexible Online Education: Create an open schooling system with a strong online component to reach youth in remote areas and offer a wide range of courses.
Cultural and Language Programs: Include courses on Fijian culture, languages, and traditions to preserve cultural identity and promote cultural understanding.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Establish financial assistance programs and scholarships to make education more accessible for disadvantaged youth.
Digital Literacy: Ensure youth have access to technology and digital literacy training to navigate the digital world effectively.
Characteristics of youths in terms of their life needs are as follows:
-quality education
-financial education
-health education
-career skills
-environmental awareness
-cultural and community awareness
-basic skills (cooking, fishing, farming, sewing)
Suggested offerings for open schooling:
-digital learning - to enhance and broaden knowledge on computer and become a computer literate.
-vocational training courses - to develop skills and knowledge acquired for various employment sector locally and internationally.
-careers counselling - to make informed educational choices.
Needs for Open schooling in the context of growing unemployment. Vocational courses in these area would go a long way in alleviating the unemployment rate for the youths:
Short courses in IT
Painting
Plumbing and pipefitting
Comedy industry
RESPOND TO QUESTION 1
resources to be used during education, school fees grant and career skills
RESPOND TO QUESTION 2
Access to every school resources and Cultural preservation
RESPOND TO QUESTION 3
Online education for everyone and financial aid
Youths to be self- empowered through sufficient education.
Have specific skill and be job creator.
Upskilling through training programs.
Initiatives for personal development.
Community based youth led programs such as sports and religious communities
Youths’ life needs in Tokelau
i. Quality Education and passion for LEARNING
ii. Enhance social and peer pressure
iii. Access to technology
iv. Vocational and Technical Training centers
v. Sports Facilities
vi. Cultural Preservations
vii. Qualifications
viii. Food security
SKILLS GAPS - OPEN SCHOOLING
Youth in the context of Tokelau is more talented in our own way of living for instance weavings, carving, fishing, etc. To the world of works there is a need to promote skills gaps to improve youth skills into the modern world. The following may be the best skills need to be developed.
i. Architectual
ii. Building and Construction
iii. Welding and Fabrication
iv. Livestock
v. Poultry
vi. Joinery
vii. Small Engine skills and Automotive engineering
viii. Painting and Interior Decoration
ix. Catering and Hospitality
x. Sewing and textile.
Youths characteristics in terms of their life needs are as follows:
Suggested offerings for open schooling