Education ministry to encourage vocational courses

17/08/2011

The Ministry of Education is going to encourage the teaching of vocational subjects in secondary schools.

This was announced by the Minister for Education, Mr Filipe Bole when visiting schools on Lakeba in Lau last week.

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Princpal of Ratu Mara Vocational College, Mr Joni Siliduadua beside the School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies billboard

“This is important in order to equip our students with basic skills of life,” Mr Bole said.

“A student should be able to come home and cook his/her own food.  A student should have the skills to repair his own kitchen rather han to rely on paid services.”

From next year, senior classes of Ratu Finau Secondary School in Lakeba will take vocational subjects with the assistance of teachers from Ratu Mara College.

“This is a great idea. We will work out a program with Ratu Mara College to see to the implementation of this program,” said Rt Finau Secondary School principal, Mrs Mereoni Motukiliu.

“The introduction of vocational subjects in secondary schools will also help to address the issue of the attitude of those who look down on vocational courses,” Rt Mara College principal, Joni Siliduadua said.

Mr Bole is encouraging students to look at vocational studies as just another pathway to the university level.