Landmark Infrastructure Upgrade: Japan Donates New Dormitory and Classrooms to CATD Nadave

The Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) officially inaugurated new state-of-the-art dormitory and classroom facilities on 25 September 2025, marking a significant enhancement to the institution’s capacity and learning environment. The new infrastructure was generously funded by the Government of Japan through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The successful handover ceremony was officiated by the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Honourable Ifereimi Vasu, and the Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Rokuichiro Michii. The project, valued at over FJ$1 million (equivalent to US$472,662), includes a modern classroom block with three fully furnished rooms and a dedicated dormitory capable of accommodating over 140 students.

This strategic investment directly supports CATD’s core mandate of developing technical skills among Fiji’s youth. The new facilities are crucial in addressing the growing demand for vocational training, particularly enabling the institution to enroll and house more students from remote provinces and Rotuma, thereby contributing directly to mitigating the national skills shortage. CATD Head of School, Aporosa Silatolu, welcomed the development, stating that the project is not merely an infrastructure upgrade but a foundational change that provides a safer and more conducive living and learning environment for future technicians and tradesmen.