Acknowledgements
• ReV. Elder Efu Efu
• Ms Claire McGeechan, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Samoa
• Hon. Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Minister of Works, Transport and Instructure
• Afioga Niuava Eti Malolo, Associate Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
• Afioga Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, Associate Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
• Afioga Fepuleai Faasavalu Faimata Sua, Associate Minister of Police, Prisons & Corrections Services
• Afioga Lealaiauloto Simon Potoi — EPC Board Director
• Susuga Jennifer UIa-Fruean, SWA Chairperson & Board of Directors
• Faumui lese Toimoana — General Manager, Electric Power Corporation
• Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger — Managing Director, Samoa Water Authority
• Auapaau Logoitino Filipo — Commissioner, Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services
• Nicki Baird — APTC Interim Executive Director
• Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila-Silipa — APTC Country Director, Samoa & Tonga
• Distinguished guests
Main Points
Talofa lava and a warm welcome to you all
It gives me great pleasure to deliver the keynote address at the Australia Pacific Training Coalition’s (APTC) Memorandum of Agreements signing ceremony with the Electric Power
KEYNOTE SPEECH
Corporation (EPC); Samoa Water Authority (SWA); and Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services (SPPCS).
The partnerships through the Memorandum of Agreements between these Government institutions and the APTC represent a strong commitment towards the delivery of high-quality, accessible and relevant education and training for our people in the workplaces.
Education and training is a priority area for the Government of Samoa and is fundamental to the development and growth of our country. Samoa has been working alongside Australia to develop the education and training sector, including strengthening and upsklling for a more skilled workforce.
Formalising the partnership and collaboration between APTC and our Government institutions – the EPC, SQA and SPPCS – will contribute towards achieving the Samoa Pathway for Development Vision of Fostering social harmony, safety, and freedom for all through the implementation of activities specifically under the Key Strategic Outcome 1 — Improved Social Development and Key Strategic Outcome 5 — Structured Public Works and Infrastructure to meet national needs and the labour market demands. Special mentioning of the importance of rehabilitation through the provision of targeted short courses for the prisoners under the SPPCS partnership, to ensure their reintegration into the community upon release.
I wish to acknowledge the Australian Government for supporting these partnerships through APTC that will help strengthen and bring efficiency in Samoa’s workforce, increase knowledge and skills, and improve the quality of life for all Samoans.
I commend the EPC, SWA and SPPCS for working collaboratively towards the main objective of enhancing the existing skills and knowledge of the workforce to improve their capacity to strengthen the delivery of its services through a respected and recognised partnership with APTC.
We look forward to witnessing further opportunities created through this collaboration towards a skilled and productive Samoan workforce that can contribute to the country’s sustainable economic and social growth.
I acknowledge you all for your commitment to enhancing Samoa’s skilled workforce development outcomes.
Thank you for your contribution and support towards these partnerships, and I wish you all the best for the journey ahead.
Thank you.
Soifua ma ia Manuia.
