REFORM T.V.E.T TO ADDRESS YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT: PM SOGAVARE
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare receiving a gift from the visiting Rector Major Father Angel Fernandez Atime. Photo credit: SIBC.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says Solomon Islands needs an urgent reform approach to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to respond to serious unemployment crisis affecting youths today.
The Prime Minister made the statement during the Don Bosco’s Bicentenary Celebrations at the Don Bosco Technical Institute at Henderson in Honiara.
Speaking on TVET and its importance in economic and social growth, Mr. Sogavare said there needs to be a reform approach to TVET to address issues of unemployment in youths.
“A reform approach to Technical Vocational Education and Training is urgently needed in our country to respond to the serious youth employment crisis affecting youths today and second; that in the longer term it is essential to prepare as many workers as possible for the labour market in the country as well as abroad, and to make a skilled workforce a driver of change, development and improvement in living standards of quality of life for our people in Solomon Islands.”
The Prime Minister also said Solomon Islands is like other developing countries which are challenged by youth unemployment crisis.
“Although accurate figures of youth unemployment are not readily available, you may only have to observe the number of youths roaming aimlessly in our capital City Honiara, appreciate the looming youth problem our country faces. An issue which will require tangible solutions to avoid any unnecessary crisis associated with youth in the future.”