Caritas helps upgrade Solomon Islands vocational schools

In early December, the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara visited Makira Province to hand over a new classroom and guesthouse at Nawote Rural Training Centre (RTC).

The new infrastructure came about through the ministry’s partnership with Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and the Solomon Islands Association of Vocational and Rural Training Centres (SIAVRTC).

The buildings were constructed by carpentry students and instructors at Nawote RTC, providing valuable hands-on experience as part of their training. This innovative approach also enabled the school to build a transit house for visitors, ensuring maximum benefit from the funding.

The Nawote RTC and nine other vocational education institutions across the country are being helped with upgrades that will enable more young people to receive practical skills training.

The New Zealand High Commission personnel also paid a courtesy visit to the Premier of Makira Province, Stanley Siapu, for a “useful discussion” on the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Rural Training Centres are vocational training institutions that offer agricultural, carpentry and mechanical life skills to empower young people in countries with high youth unemployment and a growing young population.

SIAVRTC is an umbrella organisation for 68 rural training centres across the Solomon Islands, often in remote locations where they are relied upon for opportunities. A quarter of Solomon Islanders live in poverty, with significant education, sanitation and employment challenges.

The funding partnership between Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, He Oranga Taurikura (‘A Thriving Life’), sees the government match donations by adding $3 for every $1 donated to Caritas.

The partnership started in 2021 and lasts until December 31, 2026.

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A vocational school in 🇸🇧 Solomon… (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand/Facebook)

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