BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A total of 56 students have successfully completed their training at Papapi Technical School, marking an important milestone in their educational journey.
The school yesterday hosted a graduation ceremony attended by students, parents, relatives, and invited guests to celebrate the achievement of the graduates.
Speaking at the ceremony, Inspector of Western Province Education Services, Willie Etupio, highlighted the importance of education in shaping a successful future and helping young people reach their full potential.
“Education is the key to a successful future and an important element in helping young people develop to their fullest potential,” he said.
Etupio told those present that education is a lifelong process of learning that opens doors of opportunity for those who are willing to dedicate themselves to acquiring knowledge and skills.
“Through education, people are exposed to new knowledge, skills, talents and experiences that help them discover who they are and what they are best suited for,” he said.
Etupio said the formal academic education system in Solomon Islands has not always been able to provide sufficient practical skills and knowledge needed by ordinary citizens to adapt to an increasingly competitive world driven by market forces, science and technology.
He said there remains a significant gap between the country’s labour market demands and the outcomes of the formal education system.
“The young generation cannot effectively enter the labour market with only the knowledge and skills obtained through the formal education system,” Etupio said.
He said the high number of students dropping out of the formal education system and facing limited employment opportunities has contributed to growing social issues within communities.
Etupio said there is a need for more technical and vocational institutions across the country to provide alternative pathways for young people who leave formal schooling.
“We need more technical schools to provide opportunities for those who drop out of our formal education system. Technical schools are the best way forward to address the missing link between our formal education system and the labour market,” he said.
Etupio congratulated the graduates for their hard work and dedication throughout their training.
He also acknowledged the support and commitment of parents and guardians who helped them reach this important milestone.
The graduation ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the 56 graduates as families and friends joined to celebrate their success and future aspirations.
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