Attainment certificates were given to a total of 345 students from the Kiunga Technical Vocational Training Centre (KTVTC) in the Western Province’s North Fly District.
The Kiunga TVET held its 46th Conventional and Second National Certificates graduation on Wednesday November 27th, 2024, which have equipped both men and women in various trade skills for change in the province.
These trade courses are Tourism and Hospitality, Refrigeration Mechanic, Carpentry, Welding, Plumbing, Mechanical, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Fitting, Auto Electro Mechanics, Commercial Cookery, Business Administration as well as Flexible Open Distance Education, providing a second chance of education to students.
The graduation ceremony saw 287 receive certificates in trade courses while 58 students successfully completed their FODE studies Grade 10 and Grade 12.
Speaking at the event, Kiunga TVET Centre Manager Andrew Yima congratulated all in their achievements in their education journey.
He said the technical institution needs improvement in its teaching and learning facilities with more financial support so that students in Western can received quality education.
“Financial support from organizations within the province helped completed this academic year. North Fly MP’s Scholarship Program, Middle Fly MP’s Scholarship Program, Star Mountains Education Foundation, and Nima Ara Women and Children’s Association under Waitri CMCA Trust region. Thank you all.” Mr. Yima said.
He further said more funding support is needed to train and equipped students in this technical institution within the province.
Both the graduands and continuing students have been urged to contribute meaningfully to the development in the province with skills and knowledge gain from technical institution.
Graduand Cathy Elson, who graduated in plumbing, shared that this trade course is not only for men but women who can also take up pluming among others.
“People say it’s a dirty work but in fact it is not. Like other trade courses, it is good. I wanted to work in male dominated field when I’m employed so we all can contribute for change.” she said.
Another graduand Adamson Eki who passed out in Auto Electro Mechanics said Kiunga TVET has been the foundation equipping students in trade since early 1980’s providing job opportunities in local business contractor companies in the province.
He encourages other students from Western to make use of education opportunities that are available within the province.
Mr. Eki said, “Students make use of technical institution available in our province. Our province has more mineral resources so there’s always chances of trade related job opportunities and Kiunga TVET has provided that skill where now I have achieved my dream to become a mechanic.”
Kiunga TVET Centre Manager Mr. Andrew Yima informed students and people within the province that the school administration will continue to negotiate with the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) to recognized and register this technical institution as one of higher technical learning college.
Kiunga TVET is one of the largest technical institutions in Western Province, delivering both trade courses and FODE programs aimed at transforming lives and promoting international career opportunities.