More than 70 students from primary and secondary schools walked away from a careers day at Taumeasina Island Resort on Friday feeling that the world was at their feet.

The event was organised by the Samoa Japan International Cooperation Agency J.I.C.A. Alumni Association (S.J.A.A.) to inform students on various career opportunities. 

Students from 18 schools had the chance to learn about how various Government ministries, Corporations, and organisations’ function and also the types of jobs offered there. 

Some of the schools include: St Mary’s College, Chanel College, Samoa College, Leifiifi College, Seventh Day Adventist College, and St. Joseph’s College. 

While some of the Government Ministries displayed booths include: Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.), Samoa Qualification Authority. 

According to the President of S.J.A.A., Mata’u Esau Lotu, this is the first time they have hosted an event which involved schools in the country.

“We want to plant a seed of the significance of education going to school and being educated within students at a young age,” he said. 

“The programme is part of this year’s activity plans for the purpose of bringing students to learn and understand what people in ministries learnt from Japan especially those that got the chance to study in Japan.”

“Also, sharing from past experiences especially Japan’s culture and lifestyle in comparison to Samoa and in terms of development.

He said that they hope some of the students will work on goals and dreams and some might want to travel overseas for higher education such as studying in Japan.

“It is also a good chance for Government ministries to promote awareness on what they do for the country also highlighting their plans for the next five years.”

Mata’u added that they extended an invitation to 21 schools but only 18 turned up.

He said that the event will be hosted annually and hopefully also be hosted in Savaii.

One of the teachers for Chanel College, Tyson Perez told the Samoa Observer that the benefit of the event gives an insight for the students on opportunities to go overseas for further education and returning home to utilise skills and knowledge at their chosen field of work. 

He said that the awareness on job opportunities for the students is significant so that they know and understand what subjects to take that are relevant for the work they will apply for in the future.