Helen Colla began her Palms placement as Technical Program Accreditation Officer in January 2018, sharing her auditing and compliance management skills with Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre – Savaii, Samoa. Helen extended her placement for another year in order to be involved in the delivery stage of the program.
Helen writes:
On the 23rd April, 2020, Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre (DBCVTC) was approved to deliver the accredited Samoa Certificate I in Hospitality. This is the culmination of 18 months’ work by the staff at DBCVTC. They are one of the first providers in Samoa to be approved to deliver the Samoa Certificate I in Hospitality.
Tourism is one of the biggest income earners for Samoa and the beautiful island of Savaii. Gaining the required skills and knowledge to work in this industry has been difficult for the citizens of Savaii because they have had to move to the other island for training opportunities. This costs money that many citizens of Savaii just do not have. Now they can gain these invaluable skills and knowledge right here on Savaii. DBCVTC already has 9 enrolments into this course. This adds to the 26 enrolments into the already accredited Samoa Certificate I in Trades Foundation Skills.
We are appreciative and proud to have a member of Palms Volunteers in our School. This achievement is a tremendous contribution to the development of our school. Thanks be to God and may His Holy Name be glorified!!!!!
Fr Nukuluve Lefai – Principal of Don Bosco Secondary & Technical School
Despite the interruption to the running of these programmes due to COVID 19, DBCVTC still hopes to complete the first delivery of these 2 accredited programmes by the end of the year. This will enable the 35 students to graduate with a fully nationally recognised qualification by early 2021. Vocational training, and therefore increased employment opportunities, is gaining momentum in Samoa and it is wonderful for me to be a part of this journey.
You can support the students and staff in Vocational training programs at Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre by giving a recurring or one-off donation to the project here.