Hundreds of primary and secondary school students gathered on Friday to explore and expand their knowledge on various career opportunities available in Samoa through a Careers Day by various government ministries.

Held at the EFKS Hall in Sogi, the event had 20 government ministries and over 30 schools participating in the one-day event which was declared a success.

It is being steered by the Samoa JICA Alumni Association (S.J.A.A.) as their way of giving back to Samoa and expanding knowledge and awareness of the students on local opportunities for their future.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Vice President of S.J.A.A, Tuiloma Ueni Mauli'o stressed that the Careers Day is held every year as their way of giving back to Samoa as well as JICA for the opportunities they are well aware of and benefit the future leaders of Samoa.

"The reason why we've started this is to build up the career paths of schools and the students," he said.

"We understand that nowadays, the students are mostly focusing on overseas opportunities in terms of scholarships and to pursue their academic and employment dreams but they don't understand that they can also pursue their  dreams locally within government ministries, organisations, private sectors and other ways.

"The students also don't understand that through these ministries, they can seek better opportunities in Japan when they grow older or even during their academic journey.

"So far, it's been a successful event, this is the 25th year since we started and we are also hoping to take the Careers Day to Savaii for the students there."

By the end of the Careers Day, the expected outcomes were to increase the awareness of appropriate learning and career paths according to the student’s field of interest, and to provide an opportunity to explore the various careers available in Samoa.

In addition, it provided the platform to increase active involvement of SJAA members contributing in events that are conducive to the welfare of Samoa’s future generation. 

The students were able to get a taste of the real working world where they will end up one day. I

"In saying this, our sincerest thanks to all the schools, students and teachers who participated in last week’s event. Moreover, the significant contribution of our government ministries, state-owned enterprises and private companies who provided the necessary information, and for giving stationary and merchandise for students, and for availing time to be part of this important event," said Tuiloma.