In 2020, Ceva Lutu became unemployed after working as a barman at Nadi’s The Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa, Fiji for four years.

The 30-year-old from Navoci Village, Nadi then decided to invest in farming. He sold root crops and vegetables to help earn some income and provide for his family.

This year, he took the opportunity to be part of a training with the Ministry of Forestry, not knowing the outcome that was waiting for him. The training allowed 89 participants to learn nursery and plotting and basic chainsaw and portable sawmill skills.

After the three weeks of training, Mr Lutu was told he would be among the first group of people that would be travelling to New Zealand to further their training.

“Hard work and commitment does really pay off,” he said.

“I have learnt so much in this training because I am a farmer, I now know about the safety measures in place when using a chainsaw, how to service the engine, carry out maintenance when using the chainsaw and the benefits of being involved in forestry.”

He said some of the participants were immediately recruited by some companies following the completion of the training.

“I am waiting to go to New Zealand and work and just to build a future for my family,” he said.

Mr Lutu owns a piece of land in Nadi and plans to start up his first nursery.

“All my learning from this training I will now apply here and begin my nursery,” he said.

“I would like to thank the Government for supporting us through this.”

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj

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