A new classroom building for the ‘Apifo’ou College’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training facility (TVET) was commissioned on Thursday, 9 June.
Funded with $195,722 pa’anga under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, the building was opened by Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Yukio Numata and Cardinal Mafi. It has two classrooms, a teacher’s room, storage with bathroom facilities and one 10,000 litre water tank.
The facility will facilitate the teaching of electrical, construction, automotive and plumbing skills.
"TEVT programs have been identified in developed countries as a positive way of tackling both increasing school drop out rates and youth unemployment. I am confident this new TVET facility, young people will have a wider range of opportunities to choose from for their future and aspire to become responsible citizens."
Acting Principle ‘Atumalo Kaufusi expressed their thanks to Japan for funding the building which will enrich and empower their students.
At ‘Apifo’ou like all Catholic schools one of our missions is to educate everyone and mold them to become holistic and successful Christian persons. We also need to cater and provide the necessary resources to facilitate their talents and many have opted to take the alternate path, the technical, vocational and educational training division here, he said.
