Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi welcomed Australia's support for tertiary training in the Pacific at the recent opening of new facilities at the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC) in Samoa.
The Va'aimamao (Focus on the Future) Centre, which was officially opened on 25 October by Prime Minister Malielegaoi and AusAID's Minister Counsellor John Davidson, is providing Pacific Islanders with job skills and internationally-recognised qualifications in children's and disability services.
Prime Minister Malielegaoi emphasised his support for the college and its positive effect on people in Samoa and the Pacific.
'I have been very encouraged by the role of the APTC in building Samoa's trade skill capacity and our economic development. I am sure that similar sentiments are echoed around the rest of the Pacific,' he said.
The Va'aimamao Centre provides Certificate III training in children's and disability services. All courses offered at the college are internationally recognised and allow graduates the opportunity to work in their desired field at home and abroad.
Students have been enthusiastic about the new courses and facilities on offer at the centre. In a letter to the Samoa Observer [external website], student Meafou Sepi Gafa expressed thanks to the college and the Samoan Government.
Meafou, who has almost completed the six-month Certificate III course in children's services, described his studies as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
'I'm more than grateful to APTC and our government. Their choice of trainers and the content of our course really improved our perception as pre-school teachers. We take this opportunity to thank them for all the hard work and for offering us this challenging course,' Meafou said.
Meafou said the course would raise the standing of childcare workers within the community as it has significantly increased students' knowledge and abilities in working with children.
By improving the standard of early childhood education, the Va'amiamao Centre is also ensuring Pacific children have greater opportunities in the future.
With Australia's continued support for existing and new courses, the APTC is helping Pacific islanders to further their education and careers.