A FORMER graduate and product of Papapi technical school in Mondo, Ranoggah, Western Province, says the school offers an alternative for school dropouts to pursue their dreams in marine engineering and seek further education.
Dutley Mamipitu was one of the first three students who underwent training at the mechanical and engineering school when the school opened its doors in 2006.
Speaking to this paper at the school’s 17th graduation ceremony at Olosana island, near Gizo on Tuesday, Mr Mamipitu said the school started from an informal talk with the owner and instructor 17 years ago.
Gibson Buka is the current principal and instructor with a wealth of experience in marine engineering.
After returning to the village, Mr Buka decided to start a school to support the village lads.
Mr Mamipitu was one of the first products who spent three years of training at Mondo under the guidance of two others.
After completing his training, he went on to do his training at the Marine School at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), then went on to work with the Maofaita Shipping of Langalanga for three years, then spent a few years with Silent World, worked on tug boats operated by logging companies and finally spent three years working on Tomoko when it was operated by the Western Provincial Government.
He decided to quit after spending many years out in the sea to be with his family.
But attending school had enabled him to gain enough experience in marine engineering.
With the school offering the course within 80 days, he recommended the school to other young school dropouts in the province and the country to undergo training at the school.
He said the school is well recognized and had produced many marine engineers and mechanics.
“Many of them are now working on ships around the country just after completing their training.
“Few even travelled overseas to get ships over to the country.
“So, it’s one of the recognized local engineering institutes in the country,” he said.
Others further their education at the marine institute at SINU and become top engineers.
He said the school does not grade, whether you are grade six or form six.
“Even if you go overseas and do not have a job, come to Papapi,” he said.
As one of the pioneers of the school, he said, this technical institute can offer another pathway to gaining skills and knowledge in marine engineering.
Students who pursue a career at Papapi school also learn about two and four stroke engines.
Because of that, it also helps them to fix outboard motors, chainsaws, generators, ship’s engines and even vehicles.
“Be assured that after completing your training you will get a job or become self-employed,” he said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
