THE PERMANENT Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children and Family Affairs says that the Youth@Work Programme is an important tool that would develop young people in the country.
Ms Ethel Sigimanu said the programme has provided students with basic but necessary tools to enable them improve their options in getting a decent job or self-employment in the future.
“This support itself provides the basis for government support as well as development partner support to the programme in terms of their obligations to align development assistance with government policy,” she said.
Ms Sigimanu stressed that her Ministry is keen to see Y@W extend itself into other government programmes currently being undertaken to address unemployment needs of Solomon Islanders.
She said government ministries who have supported the programme are pleased to take part in the quality review last year, ensuring the programme has a sufficient and meaningful road-map to address the employment and development needs of young people.
Ms Sigimanu added that the Government values Y@W programme and hopes the programme will take on board the recommendations.
“We look forward to adopting the findings and recommendations by the Review team and trust that the programme will see it fit to engage all partner ministries in the process.
“We are also strong about the need to focus the programme on assisting youth who are most vulnerable with little access to employment opportunities especially youths in the rural areas and young people who have lower levels of education,” she said.
Ms Sigimanu acknowledged the Government of Australia through the PLP, the United Kingdom and other development partners and businesses who have supported the programme since its establishment.
At the same time, she also acknowledges government ministries especially Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour & Immigration, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation & Peace and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs for assisting the programme.
Ms Sigimanu said government partners have financially contributed to the programme in the past, however, approaches were changed and currently assistance are made available through in-kind support such as giving students an office and training space.
Speaking to Youth@Work intern students on Wednesday, Ms Sigimanu said the road to getting employment and being able to support individuals and their families is a huge task.
“To be successful, it takes hard work, commitment and willingness to learn and improve your skills and knowledge.
“This programme sets the foundations of your future and it is up to you to make the most of what you have learnt through the programme,” she said.
Ms Sigimanu advised the intern students to make the most out of any opportunity as shown by the Y@W programme.
“You have got it in you to succeed and we do look forward to seeing you turning the scars into stars.
“Go with our blessings and use what you have learnt through this programme as your tool to success,” she said.
The post Youth@Work Programme a tool to develop youths: Ms Sigumanu appeared first on Islandsun Daily News.