ABOUT 25 students have successfully graduated early this month at JK Mabuzu Rural Training Centre (RTC) situated at west of Gizo Island, Western Province.
The graduation ceremony was organised after six months of training offered at the school.
The family owned RTC is the only institution on Gizo which offered school drop outs the opportunity to undertake training related to carpentry, plumbing and lifeskills training.
Hundreds of guests, staff, students, parents, guardians, friends and supporters turned up to witness the colourful ceremony.
The theme for the ceremony was; ‘Keep Moving Forward with God’.
The program featured a march-in procession, a thought from Bible, speeches, presentation of certificates, report from the school administration, march-out procession, photo sessions, feasting and acknowledgement.
Majority of the students are male who undertook carpentry and plumbing. There were six females. Of the six, five have undertaken lifeskills training which focused on sewing. One took up plumbing.
The vocational training institute is operated under the Western Provincial Education Authority.
Guest speaker at the ceremony Pr Caleb Pitakia challenged the students based on the theme.
He shared the story of Joseph as an example, who allowed God to take control of his life and lead him throughout his time in Egypt when he encountered challenges.
The retired church minister encouraged the graduating students not to forget God in their lives whenever they go and serve.
He further urged them to use the knowledge and skills they have learnt at the institution to serve and help their communities and in church work.
A representative from the Western Provincial Government speaking at the occasion congratulated the graduating students saying such an occasion is important to celebrate the achievement for the students.
The officer further acknowledged Mabuzu RTC for its role in offering the service to the rural students because they are fulfilling the policy of the Western Provincial Government to develop educate our communities in such important skills.
Acting Chairman Kenneth Roga said, the knowledge and skills gained over the past months is important to help develop the rural communities.
He also encouraged the students to share their skills and knowledge to others so that they can gained recognition at the community level and build their experience.
A student speaking on behalf of the students acknowledged the school administration for their support to the students over the past six months.
The students also acknowledged their parents, guardians and sponsors for making it possible for them to complete their six months training on a high note.
Principal Kisipio Ghuenah in his acknowledgement said, the school would not be able to conclude the year successfully if there are no support from the parents, guardians and sponsors.
He said, without the parents, there would be no students. And if there are no students there would be no school and a graduation ceremony.
He said, this year had been challenging one for the school because of COVID-19 which impacted negatively on the school and its operation.
But the school boss thanked the everyone for their support since the school commenced its academic year mid this year.
Mr Ghuenah also highlighted that although the institution is operated under the Western Provincial Education Authority, very little support was given to RTC but more so lack of any visitation being conducted to see the school.
However, he was grateful for the support from past students, parents, guardians and sponsors.
“The school is able to survive through their support over the years,” he said.
The graduation coincided with the Western Provincial Second Appointed Day. And because of that, a good number of guests, officials and people turned up to witness the occasion.
Mabuzu RTC is situated further along the coast of West Gizo further up Titiana.
The 2022 academic year for the school concluded after the graduation ceremony.
Application for the 2023 academic year is also open.
By MOFFAT MAMU
