Next month's graduation ceremony for 15 students from the Australia–Pacific Technical College in Samoa will be as much a story about triumph and overcoming personal adversity as it will be a celebration for the students graduating from a unique training program.
Following the devastating tsunami along Samoa's south coast last year, the Samoa campus of the college joined forces with non–government organisations Habitat for Humanity and Caritas Samoa to offer training for local villagers helping to rebuild homes along the devastated region.
As part of the rebuilding effort, Caritas Samoa and Habitat for Humanity are rebuilding many of the homes destroyed in five of the most seriously affected villages.
During the last five months, 15 students from Sale'a'auma, Saleapaga, Lepa, Satitoa and Poutasito villages have been completing a certificate II course in housing repairs and maintenance. The college provided a fee waiver, training equipment and uniforms, with AusAID providing an allowance for the six–month course.
Francis Howes, from the college's schools of automotive, construction and electrical and manufacturing in Samoa, said the course was specifically offered to help local villagers rebuild homes and community facilities.
'The Australia–Pacific Technical College does not offer this course anywhere else in the Pacific, but the need for skilled workers to help with the rebuilding of communities after the tsunami was so great that AusAID supported this one–off training opportunity,' Ms Howes said.
'We worked closely with village councils and church ministers in the selection of the students, with more than 30 applicants for the 15 available places in the course.'
The college received support from its in–country training partner, the National University of Samoa–Institute of Technology, and the Samoan Qualifications Authority to establish the program.
'We have given these students some very practical skills to help them rebuild destroyed homes and community facilities in their villages. This will have an enormous impact in their communities,' Ms Howes said.
'Through completing the training, students receive a recognised Australian qualification and may be eligible for further study at the National University of Samoa–Institute of Technology or to undertake the certificate III in carpentry through the college.'
Carpentry instructor Sajendra Bali said the students had two days a week in a classroom learning theory and practical applications.
'They spend the remaining three days working alongside the volunteers from Habitat for Humanity to rebuild homes and community halls in their devastated villages for the practical parts of the training course.
'All the students are very enthusiastic and are working hard. They want to learn. I have been very impressed with the level of commitment shown by the students.'
According to Graham Paton, a New Zealand construction manager volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, the students have made very good progress.
'I wouldn't hesitate to put either of the two students I worked with on an apprenticeship. They are equivalent to a second or third year apprentice in New Zealand. They want to learn and that makes a big difference.'
More information
Australia's aid program in Samoa
Australia–Pacific Technical College [external website]