Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre at Salelologa in Savai'i has ended the year on a high with a showcase of products made by students from its Tech 2 class.

The Tech 2 class consists of more than 30 students who will be awarded with a Samoa Certificate I in Trades Foundation Skills, an accredited program by the Samoa Qualification Authority (S.Q.A.) 

The programme is widely recognised by employers in Samoa and overseas, says Principal, Father Nukuluve Tevita Lefai. 

On Friday, the school invited parents and members of the community to witness the showcase.

The products were made under the supervision of Vocational Studies Coordinator, Tauatama Alosio Lagiomalo. 

They ranged from dressers used for storage in kitchens, coffee tables and scrapers.

Fr. Nukuluve confirmed that the accredited programme is in its first year of implementation and the graduating students are ready to tackle challenges in the workforce.

"It is with great joy and gladness that we have accomplished this part of the programme for the Samoa Certificate I in Trades Foundation Skills, we want to thank those who sponsored this project. All the funding came from Australia and had the support from our sponsors. 

"We are grateful that our students have accomplished and learned new skills through the implementation of this which is the most important thing. 

"The goal was for them to make good use of the opportunity to learn new skills and gain knowledge. 

"We are quite fortunate and we continue to thank those who helped and supported the implementation of this project. 

"We also want to thank S.Q.A. for the initiative and for the approval of this program."

Asked if there were any challenges they had to overcome during the implementation of this program for the first time, Fr. Nukulevu said, it was mostly on the financial side of things. 

Another major challenge which delayed the completion of the program was when the country went into lockdown and schools were shut down. 

"Our students could not come to school, therefore, we had to come up with a plan so that the program flows. 

"So we created learning materials for our students and we had to deliver it to the homes of the students even if it was far. 

"When school opened up again and (when ) the students came back (to school), they did not really miss much of the school work and theory because we sent them learning materials. 

"There was a lot of catching up to do for them, but we managed to push through and today, we are displaying the fruits of their hard work for this year."

Salele'a Timu Safotu, a student who was part of the program said he was overwhelmed with joy, seeing the fruits of their hard work this whole year. 

He said he was "blessed" to have been part of such an important program. 

"I learned a lot from this course and the skills and knowledge I've learned are very useful, as I will take it with me everywhere I go and will help me a lot in the future. 

"I didn't think I would be able to build a bed, and a dressing table on my own. But I am grateful for this program because I am able to do so, and today, I got to show my mom and dad what I learned and what I achieved this year. 

"Seeing the smiles on their faces makes me happy."

While the 19-year-old from the village of Safotu is happy to have completed Certificate I, he is eager to enhance his knowledge and skills by taking up another course next year. 

"There will be a level 2 certificate course available next year, and I am willing to take that to enhance my skills and knowledge. 

"The aim is to learn as much as I could and make good use of the opportunities so it will help me and my family in the future. 

"These are great opportunities for us, students, to learn new skills and knowledge as we move on in life."

A special graduation for those who have completed the Samoa Certificate I in Trades Foundation Skills will be held on the 18 of December, at Don Bosco.