Empowering Samoa’s Youth with Skills for Success.
The National University of Samoa (NUS), in partnership with @COL4D and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand @MFATNZ, proudly celebrates the completion of the Youth Training Project in Samoa.
Through this initiative, 169 young individuals (ages 18-35) gained essential skills in Computing (MS Excel & Word), Time Management, Mathematics, Basic Plumbing, Agriculture, and more.
This programme aimed to expand access to vocational training and continuing education, equipping youth with the tools for employment, independence, and lifelong learning. Many participants, especially from rural areas, were thrilled to experience the NUS campus for the first time and found the training engaging and impactful.
Participants shared their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to learn in the NUS environment. For many from rural areas, it was their first time on campus, making the experience even more meaningful. They said they found the training not only engaging but also enjoyable and easy to grasp, enhancing their learning journey.
#COL4D #MFATNZ #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsForSuccess #SamoaSkills #EducationMatters
... See MoreSee Less
🌟 Meet Mary🌟
Mary, a 43-year-old mother of seven children—six boys and one girl—is GVH Undi’s Village Development Committee Chairperson, a role traditionally held by men in her area. In Malawi, women are consistently underrepresented in positions of leadership.
“At times, the thought of leading crossed my mind. But when I remembered the community I belong to, such a thought was easily put to sleep,” explained Mary. She pointed out that the culture she grew up in led her to believe that leadership positions were not for women. “I grew up with the belief that leadership is for men. This belief was reinforced when I got married, as I was taught that I had to be submissive to my husband. As such, even in public, I stood by my husband’s leadership,” she added.
Mary has defied the odds to become a leader in her community. “The changed perception of women in leadership in this community has helped me to easily manage roles both at home as a mother and wife and in this community as a Village Development Committee Chair,” she shared.
Read Mary’s journey to becoming a leader: empoweringwomenandgirls.col.org/ewg-stories/marys-journey-to-female-leadership/
... See MoreSee Less
Empowering youth with FRIEND Fiji.
In partnership with FRIEND Fiji @FriendFiji, the Commonwealth of Learning’s @COL4D Pacific Partnership for Open, Distance, and Flexible Learning (with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand @MFATNV) has helped make a lasting impact on youth development this past year. Over 2,500 young individuals, including women and persons with disabilities, gained specialised skills to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
The diverse training sessions covered soap-making, business management, oil infusion, organic farming, and food processing. These programs have opened new doors of opportunity for many young people across the region.
Success Spotlight: Aliposo Nainima from Naikoroni, Dawasamu, Tailevu, shares:
“"I am 24 years old. This is my first time to hear about FRIEND. I came to participate to represent our youth group. After this training, I realised how important this training is and how easy it will be to start as we will use coconuts, herbs, fruits, sweet-smelling flowers, barks and roots which we could utilise for soap, infused oil and activated charcoal. Now, I have ideas how to generate income from natural resources using the learnt skills from FRIEND. Thank you, FRIEND, this is the first time to attend a training that opens up my mind into business as youths are more into rugby these days."
#COL4D #MFATNZ #YouthEmpowerment #PacificSkillsTraining #SkillsForSuccess #Entrepreneurship #FRIENDFiji #SustainableGrowth
... See MoreSee Less
;
