Program Objectives
Leadership Fiji fosters the development and enhancement of the quality of leaders in Fiji by:
- Allowing members to explore their own values, philosophies, prejudices and beliefs through opportunities offered by the program.
- Canvassing a variety of issues, which are chosen from the recommendation of those running the program as well as those who will participate in the program.
- Giving program members close interaction with Fiji Island leaders in fields such as business, environment, the welfare sector, unions, sports, agriculture and tourism to name a few.
- Encouraging extended interchange throughout the year and beyond, between members of the program.
- Ensuring discussion confidentiality by insistence on “Chatham House” rules, i.e. nothing attributable outside the room.
Program Structure
Leadership Fiji is a program of events and activities from March-November. These events and activities are designed to enable participants to discuss and debate issues among themselves and with invited speakers who demonstrate leadership skills and characteristics. Participants meet fortnightly at either a day session and there are also overnight sessions which will also include site visits around thematic issues.
The content focus of sessions and site visits are issues based and relevant to the current environment. These include: Exploring Leadership, Historical Overview of Fiji, Examining Major Industries such as Media, Tourism & Sugar, Human Rights, Law & Order, Social and Economic issues such as the Environment, Poverty & Social Welfare, Health & Education. As a conclusion to the year’s activities Leadership Fiji participants are required to draft and present a manifesto detailing their vision for Fiji and strategies aimed at achieving that vision.
Acknowledgments
The Leadership Fiji Management Board would like to acknowledge the efforts of all the presenters who gave of their time to address the participants during the various sessions. Their contribution to the program has been invaluable and without their support, the program would not have achieved the obvious success it has.
During the year, a number of organizations assisted by providing facilities and other services. The Board would like to extend its appreciation to all those friends of the program listed below:
ANZ
Bank South Pacific
BSP Life
Westpac Banking Corporation
Reserve Bank of Fiji
Pacific Leadership Program
Communications Fiji Limited
Fiji TV
The Fiji Times
Fiji Broadcasting Corporation
Williams & Goslings Limited
Flour Mills of Fiji
British American Tobacco
Fiji Corrections Service
Mark One Apparel
Vunikoka Farm
Government Agricultural Research Station
People’s Community Network
Hilton Special School
Koroipita Community, Lautoka
Tavua Town Council
Punjas Limited
FRIEND Fiji
Vatukoula Gold Mine Limited
Holiday Inn Suva
Port Denarau Marina
Lagoon Resort, Pacific Harbor
Wyndham Resort, Denarau
Grace Road
Stoney Creek
FSC Lautoka Sugar Mill
The Pearl Resort, Pacific Harbor
East West Centre of Hawaii
Centre for Approved Technology & Development, Nadave
Leleuvia Island Resort
The Board would also like to acknowledge the support from the spouses and families of all the executives and participants of Leadership Fiji as well as the unwavering support from the Leadership Fiji Alumni Executive Committee and alumni members.
Selection Criteria
- Through an application process, participants are chosen by a selection panel and are expected to pay a fee, of which 75% is contributed by the sponsor, and 25% by the participant.
- Participants are chosen because they have demonstrated a capacity for leadership in their areas of expertise.
- They must be prepared to commit fully to the year’s program of seminars, field trips and workshops.
- Graduates of the program will be expected to increase their involvement in community affairs.
- During the program they will be expected to explore their own values, philosophies, prejudices and beliefs and canvass a variety of issues which focus on the next ten years.
- It is desirable that candidates are able to demonstrate a record of civic activity and/or expressed genuine interest in becoming more involved in the community.
How to Apply
To be part of the program, potential participants are required to fill out an application form ensuring that they have their employer’s support. Application forms are available early September with the closing date towards the end of November. A selection of applicants will then be interviewed late January to early February. The program commences early March each year.
