Manatu o lenei taeao o lea ua maea ona topule le inati mo Manuvao, auā le Atua ma lona finagalo, e pei ona saunoa iai le Susuga i le Taitai o le Sauniga, lau Susuga Rev Dr Latu Latai. Tau lava ina ou fono faapipii i le agaga o le faafetai na faaleo e le fofoga o le aso, Faafetai tapena, faafetai sauni. O lea lava ua e tapena faa-fafine toaga le Tapuaiga i le Atua i lenei taeao auā lenei faamoemoe sa lupe. Faamanuia le Atua i lau Susuga i le Faafeagaiga.
O paia faalupea o Samoa ua taoto ae o se alao’o. Tau lava ina ou faatulou iai ma nuunuu atu faa-tapu o manaia paia ma mamalu faataotooto o lenei taeao i tulatoa o le atunuu, o la latou lea fatu aiga tausi.
Ae faatalofa atu i le mamalu maualuga ua potopoto i lenei taeao, malo le soifua, faamalo le lagi e mama. Viia le Atua Silisiliese.
Ae o le a faafualalafo ia se faamatalaga aua le faamoemoe Autu o lenei taeao.
Acknowledgements
– Rev. Dr Latu Latai
– Mrs. Ariane Stevenson, Representative of the Office of the Australian High Commissioner for Samoa
– Representative of the National University of Samoa
– Representative of the Ministry of Education and Culture
– Manager of NOLA
– Manager of the TAUTUA Program
– Chief Executive Officers and Commissioners of Government Agencies, APTC partners
– Teachers and students from various Colleges and TVET providers
– Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen
Key Points
Talofa lava and a very good morning to you all.
On behalf of the Government of Samoa, it is a privilege to deliver the keynote address for the APTC and Partners celebration of International Women’s Day this year.
Today’s Forum focuses on the theme; “Invest and Empower women in Technical and
Vocational Education and Training and Employment Opportunities”, reflecting our collective commitment to invest in creating a Samoa where all women and girls are empowered, valued, and mainstreamed into TVET discussion. At the same time, exploring education and training opportunities and creating pathways into employment regardless of their socio-economic background.
I commend the collaboration of APTC and the Samoan government agencies such as the Electric Power Corporation, Samoa Water Authority, Land Transport Authority, Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority in initiating this platform to invest and encourage the younger generation of females in TVET.
Samoa’s longstanding relationship with the Australian Government encompasses ongoing educational development to improve the quality of learning to ensure our students gain new skills and knowledge to access new opportunities, increase their employability, and contribute to national development. APTC’s diverse courses, micro-credentials, and training programs have opened doors for our
Samoan women. These programs have equipped them with valuable skills, enabling them to enter traditionally male-dominated trade fields. We have witnessed them entering these fields and rising to leadership positions. This is a testament to the power of education and the potential that lies within every one of us, regardless of gender.
We acknowledge APTC and its commitment to gender equity and inclusivity in TVET. Their collaborative spirit with our local institutions, such as the Samoa Qualifications Authority and the National University of Samoa, has been instrumental in elevating the quality of Samoa’s qualifications. This, in turn, directly addresses the needs of our local sectors and industries, preparing our workforce for success.
The enhanced skills and qualifications gained through APTC empower our people for labour mobility. They are now equipped to compete for jobs in overseas markets, particularly in high demand fields. This not only benefits individuals and families but also contributes to Samoa’s overall economic development.
We, the Government of Samoa, wholeheartedly thank the Australian Government and the support and valuable contribution of APTC to our nation’s progress.
Ladies and gentlemen, we must acknowledge that TVET is sometimes seen as less prestigious than traditional university education. This perception needs to change. Today’s forum serves as a perfect platform to raise awareness about the incredible benefits of TVET.
TVET is a core pillar of our Education Sector Plan. TVET programs equip our people, particularly our youth and those who may have left school early, with the practical skills they need to succeed. By fostering a skilled workforce, we directly address the challenge of unemployment and unlock the potential for increased national productivity.
Partnerships like the one we share with APTC are instrumental in providing Samoans with high-quality TVET opportunities. Through these collaborations, we empower our people, especially women, to enter and excel in traditionally male dominated fields.
To the female students attending the Forum, I urge you to seize the opportunity and actively engage in discussions, knowledge sharing, exchanging ideas, and networking with presenters and APTC and its partners.
Your learning and experiences here today will contribute to shaping your future careers with having TVET as a promising career choice. This will foster and shape the future of Samoa for you and those yet to follow.
I wish you a fruitful and successful Forum and Happy International Women’s Day.
Soifua ma ia manuia.
