Ngalikekero Rural Training Centre in North Malaita ended its academic year with a graduation ceremony, Friday.
The event saw 32 students graduating in various fields.
Fourteen graduated in basic carpentry, six in basic plumbing, five in basic mechanic, three in basic electrical and four in life skills.
The centre not only graduated students from North Malaita but also those from other parts of the province.
Under Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development Mathias Lane Kutai was the guest of honour.
“Skills training and development is on top of the agenda of the Ministry of Education and SITESA,” Kutai told those who gathered to witness the event
“It has been observed to be much more crucial for economic and social development in Solomon Islands,” he added.
“The current government has emphasised through its policy reforms and financial support the importance of skills training and development through initiatives to upgrade and strengthen the TVET/RTC institutes in the country.
“The government, through Ministry of Education, is also investing more on skills training through scholarships.”
Kutai said in 2020 there will be more opportunities for students to pursue studies in selected RTCs.
He said they have doubled the opportunities for 2020.
“The Ministry of Education under SITESA fully supports and appreciate the work and efforts of Malaita Education Authority in the technical and skills training,” he said.
“SITESA in its 2020 work plan prioritises its support to selected RTCs to offer accredited programs.”
Congratulating the graduates Kutai said:
“Receiving your certificates does not mean that you have reached the end of your journey.
“It is just the beginning of the pathway to achieve higher in your career.
“The beginning of a beautiful and promising future has just begun.
“Stand tall and walk the direction of your dreams.”
Kutai also highlighted the importance of education to the country.
“Education is one of the most important investments a country can make in its people and its future and is critical to reducing poverty and inequality.
“Education gives people critical skills and tools to help them better provide for themselves and their children.
“It helps people work better and can create opportunities for sustainable and viable economic growth now and into the future.
“Education helps fight the spread of diseases, reduces mother and child mortality and helps improve health.
“It encourages transparency, good governance, stability and helps fight against graft and corruption.
“The impact of investment in education is profound and can be resulted in raising income, promoting gender equality, mitigating climate change and reducing poverty.”
Centre director David Iro Leliana thanked Kutai accepting his invitation to come and speak on the occasion.
The program ended with feasting.
– By Lensley Kwaimani
