This news article was circulated in our email. It is a growing concern not only for Vanuatu but also for all the Pacific Island Countries. AGRICULTURE IS THE ANSWER!!
Posted at 22:51 on 23 September, 2012 UTC
The Vanuatu Rural Development and Training Centres Association says one of the biggest challenges is youth unable to find employment once they have graduated. There are 34 VRDTCA Training Centres around Vanuatu, focusing on addressing youth skill shortages in rural areas.Its director, Kathy Solomon, says more and more students are returning to their communities with very limited skills. She says they teach carpentry, construction, agriculture, hospitality and tourism but training is only part of the challenge.“After them graduating, what next? that’s our biggest challenge. Because you know in Vanuatu, there’s not enough job for everyone. And them getting certificates from rural areas coming to the city, there’s no job for them. I would say 20 percent of them would be able to find jobs, the rest it’s still a challenge.”Kathy Solomon says in response, they have begun an employment fund which gives young people who want to start their own business a thousand dollars to kick start it.
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It has been the case that even graduates from University come home with no opportunities, how can we expect trainees from technical centers and colleges be any different. Don't mean to be negative here dear blogger, but it is a fact. However, as you rightly put it, "Agriculture is the answer"! Perception among youths needs to be changed - make agriculture the new frontier to development. How do we advocate, capitalize, find synergies and promote that change could be the challenge. On a positive note, slowly youths are being finding their on two feet to stand, here in Santo, though not in a big way, but change is surely coming around.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this piece Keith. I share the same sentiments. "How can youths gain experience when they are not given a chance to first of all work and gain experience so that more job opportunities are offered to them??"
ReplyDeleteI had stated in one of my emails that "It is important that we encourage youths to participate in Agriculture and not have this profession looked down at. Most youths do not realise that no matter what "survival originates from the soil"!
Lets hope for a bigger, brighter future for our pacific youths :)!
*Sorry for my 2nd paragraph is that Agriculture is another way to earn income & youths that cannot find employment should start working on our soils & not to just rely on white collar jobs. I think farmers are the richest people on earth!! Don't you think?
ReplyDelete