Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Center Salelologa launches hospitality and trades courses

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Center Salelologa, located on the Savai’i island in Samoa, provides training so local youth have an opportunity to gain skills for employment. Beyond education, the center is used for multipurpose community events, and it plays an important role  providing space to bring the community together.

The island is primarily made up of subsistence farmers, but there is a growing tourism business. In response, Don Bosco College launched the hospitality course to expand job opportunities for youth.

Don Bosco College is also offering an accredited certification in trades skills. The course is in its first year of implementation. Upon completion, graduating students are ready to enter the workforce. Students had the opportunity to showcase their products consisting of dressers, coffee tables, beds and cabinets to their families and community.

Although Samoa has remained relatively free of COVID-19, the pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the already fragile Samoan economy. Border closures have crippled the tourism industry, which many families rely on for their livelihood. Many students are finding it difficult to pay schools fees, and in turn, schools struggle to meet operating costs. A number of donors stepped up to help support both students and the school.

“We would like to thank those who sponsored this project, our Australian supporters. We are grateful that our students have accomplished and learned new skills and gained knowledge which was our goal,” said Father Nukuluve, principal of Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Center Salelologa.

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Annual Report 2020

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund

Photo courtesy of the Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund

Don Bosco Samoa

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa