BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
GRADUATES of Papapi Technical School have been encouraged to become productive citizens and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities, Western Province and the country.
The call was made by Western Province Education Authority Inspector, Willie Etupio, during the school’s graduation ceremony yesterday at Outback Living in Gizo.
Speaking to the graduates, Etupio said completing technical training was a significant achievement, but securing employment and building a successful career will require determination, commitment and hard work.
“Congratulations for your achievement. You have made the right decision to further your education through technical training.
“Graduating means joining the labour market, especially in the fields of technology and industry.
“Furthermore, graduating from a technical school is the beginning of further studies at tertiary institutions such as Solomon Islands National University,” he said.
Etupio reminded the graduates that the knowledge and skills they have acquired will not only help them support themselves, but also their families and communities.
“I encourage you to use the knowledge and skills you obtained from the institution. You have become a pool of trained human resources for Western Province and we are proud of you.
“Be part of the productive citizens who contribute to the development of Western Province and the country,” he said.
A representative of Papapi Technical School, Gibson Buka, expressed satisfaction at seeing another group of students successfully complete their studies and prepare to enter the labour market.
He said the graduates successfully completed six months of training despite the challenges faced by the institution.
“I’m confident that you have obtained the knowledge and skills from the core courses. It is now your time to make use of those skills and knowledge to help yourself, your family, your communities, our province and our country,” Buka said.
Buka said Papapi Technical School was established in 2006 with the objective of providing vocational and technical skills training to school dropouts and young people seeking practical career pathways.
“Since the establishment of the school in 2006, more than 300 students have graduated from the institution by 2026.
“Some of our graduates are now working on ships as engineers, while others are employed as mechanics in vehicle repair workshops,” he said.
Buka said the achievements of former students demonstrate the importance of technical and vocational education in creating employment opportunities and developing a skilled workforce for the country.
The graduation ceremony marked another milestone for the institution as it continues to equip young people with practical skills needed to meet the demands of the labour market.
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