Sawene Villagers Gain New Skills in Forestry and Sawmill Training
Twenty-one participants, including 20 men and one woman recently completed two forestry-related courses in Sawene Village, Tikina o Namataku in the province of Navosa.
The training, organized by the Ministry of Forestry, Fiji Forest Products, Trade, and Training (FPTT) Division, spanned two weeks and aimed to promote sustainable forest management and provide local employment opportunities.
Led by Course Trainer Arieta Nailagovesi, the Harvesting Trees Manually Basic Training Course and the Basic Portable Sawmill Training Course offered participants one week of theoretical learning and another week of practical fieldwork.
“The training focused heavily on safety. We emphasized the economic, social, and safety aspects of chainsaw use, as well as felling techniques across basic, intermediate, and advanced levels,” said Ms. Nailagovesi.
Participants were also trained on chainsaw maintenance, the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures.
The portable sawmill training covered machine setup, timber processing and pricing, ensuring participants understood the full value chain from logs to saleable timber.
Apisai Namata, a 43-year-old from Sawene Village expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to improve his skills.
“I’ve used chainsaws before, but this training taught me how critical it is to prioritize safety. I also learned to value the trees and forests around us, understanding their worth beyond just logging for quick profits,” said Mr. Namata.
Vilimaina Vatureba, a 30-year-old mother from Sawene Village, was the sole female participant and broke traditional barriers by enrolling.
“I wanted to challenge myself. This training has taught me not only how to fell trees properly but also how to price and sell timber,” Ms. Vatureba said.
She also highlighted how the skills gained would benefit her daily life.
“Now, if I want to build my own house, I have the skills and knowledge to do it myself. Using a chainsaw will be helpful even when collecting firewood,” Ms. Vatureba said.
She added that the training will also open up new employment opportunities.
“I hope to inspire more women to step into spaces traditionally reserved for men,” Ms. Vatureba said.
Director of the Ministry of Forestry’s Central/Eastern Division, Moape Lotawa attended the certificate presentation ceremony, emphasizing the importance of sustainable forest management.
“The government’s investment in this training shows its commitment to the development of Sawene as well as the District of Namataku,” Mr. Lotawa said.
He said this marked the first training of its kind for the 2024-2025 financial year in this region and should foster unity within families and the community, while providing employment pathways.
Mr. Lotawa urged participants to carry forward the knowledge they gained.
“As you move into employment, it’s essential to practice sustainable forest management. While cutting trees, you must also commit to replanting,” Lotawa said.
He also encouraged continued collaboration between the village and the Ministry of Forestry through reforestation programs.
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