Story from:
5 Nov 2024
Ihu Special Economic Zone Project is eager to address gaps in technical education for youths in Kikori District
The ‘Transforming TVET in PNG’ Forum, a pivotal two-day event in Port Moresby on 5th- 6th November aims to bridge gap in technical and vocational education in Papua New Guinea, shaping a future where our youths are empowered with skills for tomorrow’s challenges.
The occasion was represented by various local and international guests including couple of PNG’s long term Partners, the Australian Government representatives and Asian Development Bank (ADB), the sponsors of this TVET program. Both teams were accompanied by Ministerial guests, provincial technical institution representatives and other stakeholders.
Ihu Special Economic Zone (ISEZ) management had the opportunity to attend this important forum because of its keen interest to create career path for youths in Kikori district. The TVET program is an initiative that ISEZ is keen to introduce to the local people so they can benefit from it and also understand that having the necessary technical skills and knowledge will help them play significant role to contribute to the growth and success of this Ihu SEZ within their district.
In Prime Minster James Marape’s speech during the opening night, he praised the Australian Government and reiterated the collaborative partnership with them. He then mentioned PNG’s social struggles, especially issues regarding youth involvements in crimes and unemployment. He strongly appeals that having this initiative in place will help youths to address many social issues. He also mentioned that the TVET program creates opportunity to enable PNG to seek opportunities in other countries.
The Prime Minister further highlighted that this program is one of the main area that will stet, which the current government will put forth and fully support so more youths will be off the streets, and also they will be encouraged to know that they have a place to go after high school to get skilled and trained in various technical trades if they are not qualified to make it into universities.
ISEZ will continue to engage in internship program for Kikori District to address gaps in technical areas to create and develop our human resource.