Students graduate from North Malaita Vocational Training Centre

A family initiated Vocational Training Centre in North Malaita, known as Ngalikekero, has witnessed a successful graduation of 23 students early this month at Kwaiana Village.

According to the Centre’s founder, Mr. David IRO Leliana, the graduation ceremony on December 6 was uniquely presented with graduants dressing in cultural costumes. Students were presented with certificates in the fields of carpentry/joinery, plumbing, mechanic and life skills/typing. Among the 23 graduants are also four girls who got their certificates in lifeskills and typing.

The graduation was attended by invited guests ranging from North Malaita education authorities, President of the To’abaita Council of Chiefs, church leaders, nurses, and other village elders. Highlights of the ceremony were cultural dances and feasting that was shared with about 400 people.

Mr. Leliana also added that next year’s fees at the vocational training centre would be reduced from $800 per annum to $500. This resulted because the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has taken responsibility in paying salary for five staff members.

It is also understood the training centre’s carpentry students had completed the roofing of a Malu’u classroom, as part of their charitable partnership with communities. A new workshop and classroom funded by the Community Sector Program (CSP) is currently being constructed.