TUTU RURAL Trainining Center

A Significant Day for TRTC and Tutu

Today marks a **significant moment for Tutu Rural Training Centre (TRTC)** in two special ways.

We proudly celebrated the graduation of 36 registered SME single women who have completed six months of formation and training in vegetable production, sewing, contemporary and traditional art, food and nutrition security, and personal human development.

Their graduation is more than the completion of a course. It is a celebration of **growth, confidence, skills and new possibilities**. We congratulate each of these women and pray that the knowledge, skills and values they have gained will strengthen their families and communities.

Today also marked an important milestone in the ongoing development of **Tutu** with the **opening of the Young Farmers’ Dormitory**. This new facility will provide greater opportunities for young rural people to access training, formation and practical skills for their future.

We gratefully acknowledge the **Government of Fiji through the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for its support and funding**, which has contributed to making this important development possible. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the **McVerry family** for their generosity and support towards the continuing mission and development of Tutu.

Both occasions express the same mission at the heart of TRTC: **to invest in rural people, create opportunities, and nurture the God-given gifts and potential of each person.**

Today, we give thanks to God for our **36 graduates**, their families, our trainers and staff, the Government of Fiji, the McVerry family, our partners, supporters and all who continue to believe in and contribute to the mission of Tutu.
Congratulations to our 36 graduates!**

May the skills you have gained become **seeds of hope, dignity and transformation** in your families and communities.

And may the new Young Farmers’ Dormitory become a place where young people are formed, inspired and empowered to use their **God-given gifts** for the good of their families, communities and Fiji.

**Tutu continues to invest in people, nurture gifts and create opportunities for rural communities to flourish.

Months of celebration, faithful service, and meaningful ministry at Tutu Rural Training Centre.** We give thanks to God for all that has been accomplished through learning, fellowship, and service. As one chapter concludes, we now look ahead with hope and purpose, planning for the month ahead. May the Lord continue to guide our work, strengthen our community, and bless all who are part of this mission.

TRTC Parents Course 2026 Begins with Landcare Launch

The Parents Course officially commenced from 4th–7th May 2026, bringing together parents and guardians as an important part of the holistic development journey of our Young Farmers Program.
This year’s course was especially meaningful as participants were also part of the official launching of the Landcare Initiative – “Our Land, Our Future, For the Love of Soil”, attended by the First Secretary of the NZ High Commission.
The Parents Course continues to strengthen the partnership between families, the vanua, and TRTC in supporting the growth of young farmers not only in agriculture, but also in leadership, responsibility, and community wellbeing. Parents were encouraged to walk together with their children in building resilient livelihoods, protecting the land, and strengthening food security for future generations.
The gathering also highlighted the importance of:
Soil stewardship and land restoration
Family support in youth development
Climate-smart farming practices
Vanua-based values and responsibility
Building sustainable rural livelihoods
TRTC believes that empowering young farmers begins with empowering families and communities. Together, we continue to nurture hope, resilience, and a future rooted in the land.

Positive feedback continues to flow in on the newly launched Smart Practices Farmers Manual developed for TRTC participants.

The manual has been well received by current participants, instructors, and community farmers for its practical and easy-to-understand approach towards sustainable agriculture and rural enterprise development.
The guide covers important areas such as Soil Health, Vegetable Production, Fruit Development, Legumes and Crops, Financial Literacy, and SMART farming practices that strengthen food security and climate resilience within the Vanua.
Participants have expressed appreciation for the hands-on learning approach, noting that the manual will continue to support them both during training at Tutu and back in their communities through their home-based farming activities.
TRTC acknowledges all partners, experts, and contributors who helped design this important resource to empower youth and rural communities towards self-reliance, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Learning by doing for a better rural future.”

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The Tutu Rural Training Centre Na Bula Yaga team

continues its visitation program in the Kubulau District cluster, strengthening former participants through ongoing empowerment and support.
The visit focuses on resource utilization, social entrepreneurship within the Vanua system, financial literacy, and food security as key pillars for sustainable rural development. Participants continue to share positive changes within their communities through farming, savings culture, and small micro-enterprise development.
Na Bula Yaga continues to inspire communities towards self-reliance, custodianship, and resilient livelihoods through collective learning and action.

Tutu Rural Training Centre proudly launched a three-day Smart Practices Farmers Manual Program,

bringing together our current participants for an intensive and practical learning experience.
This important program focuses on strengthening key areas for sustainable rural livelihoods:
Soil Health – building fertile, living soil for long-term productivity
Vegetable Production – improving food security and nutrition
Fruits Development – diversifying crops for income and resilience
Legumes & Crops – enhancing sustainable farming systems
Financial Literacy – managing income, savings, and small enterprises

The training is supported by experts in each field, who have carefully designed the manuals to guide our farmers in practical, applicable ways within their own Vanua.
Over these three days, participants are not only learning new techniques but are also strengthening their capacity to apply smart, sustainable practices at home and in their communities.
These manuals will now serve as a key resource for all TRTC programs, ensuring consistency, quality, and long-term impact in our training.

From knowledge to practice, from practice to transformation — this is the Tutu way.