Savai'i residents benefit from training

By Adel Fruean 18 September 2021, 1:00PM

A total of 44 participants from Savai'i have received certificates recognising their participation in an e-Citizen and International Skills Training programme. 

A small ceremony was held at the Don Bosco Hall in Salelologa to mark the occasion. The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (A.P.T.C.) has been delivering these trainings for the past few months for the graduates from Savai'i.

In attendance was the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck as well as representatives from A.P.T.C., family, friends and employers of the award recipients.   

The training was funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (D.F.A.T.) under Australia’s COVID-19 Response Plan for Samoa.

The I.S.T. is a three-week short course program that looks at methods and skills in delivering and assessing training.


While the e-Citizen is a three-week short course program that looks at basic computing skills, such as operating a personal computer, operating word-processing applications, using, communicating and searching securely on the internet.

Ms Luck congratulated the 26 participants of the I. S.T. programme and the 18 participants of the e-Citizen skill set training on their achievement.

“It is no easy feat to commit yourselves to these intensive training programs, and we commend you for your dedication and commitment to seeing this through to its successful completion,” she said.

She added that, “today marks the beginning of the valuable contributions you will undoubtedly make in your communities with the newfound skills you have acquired.”

“To the friends and families of present of graduates present today, we acknowledge the support you have provided. 

“To the employers of today’s graduates, we commend you and relay our gratitude in allowing your employees the opportunity to undertake this training. 

“Your support for your employees in completing these programs is testament to the value of TVET and contributes to enhancing TVET trainer capacity for Samoa.”


Ms. Luck said that Australia is committed to working with Samoa and the Pacific in responding to the pandemic in supporting a stable, prosperous and resilient region in three key areas: health security; stability; and economic recovery.

“The I.S.T. and e-Citizen qualifications that we are celebrating directly contribute to Australia’s prioritization in supporting skills development and human resource capacity in Samoa. 

“The I.S.T. and e-Citizen are highly targeted and intensive programs which look to enhancing trainer skill sets, and pathways for students to further studies. 

“These skills and aspects were identified as areas that would benefit Samoans in both the recovery efforts from the impacts of COVID-19, and in the longer term vision post-pandemic.”

When speaking on the COVID-19 pandemic, she said there has been an acceleration of A.P.T.C. delivery of training including micro-credentials and accredited skill sets, such as the qualifications being awarded. 

“We are excited to see what contributions will be made in Samoa’s TVET and skills development space by today’s graduates.

“As Australia’s flagship investment in technical and vocational education training in the Pacific, the A.P.T.C. has been in operation for 13 years. 

“To ensure the best possible outcomes for graduates in the region, A.P.T.C. will focus on creating pathways from your newfound skills to employment, so that you have access to national and regional labour markets, through initiatives such as Australia’s new Pacific Labour Scheme.”

Furthermore, she congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to use their newfound skills in order to contribute to the development of their respective industries. 

“I thank the A.P.T.C. and team for organising this Certificate Presentation ceremony and look forward to fruitful days ahead in partnering for skills development in Samoa and the Pacific.” 

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Education
By Adel Fruean 18 September 2021, 1:00PM
Samoa Observer

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