In the Solomon Islands, where approximately 80 percent of the population resides in rural areas, access to quality education and vocational training can be limited.
The Strengthening Rural Training Centre projects supports three Rural Training Centres (RTCs) to provide vocation skills training to students in the Solomon Islands, including young people living with a disability, students from remote communities and early school leavers.
The project helps equip school boards and management with the relevant skills and systems to govern the school so that RTCs are effectively operating and sustainable, improving education quality and outcomes for students. Additionally, it seeks to promote better training outcomes for the students at the RTCs by improving career pathways and income generations opportunities.
Sr Daniella is the principal of the DIVIT Rural Training Centre, which provides training to young women and girls. She spoke about the difficulties many students face in accessing education. She explained that many of the students come from rural and remote communities throughout Solomon Islands, and that even getting to school is a challenge because they cannot afford to pay for the costs of travel. Their parents are mostly subsistence farmers, earning less than 500–1000 Solomon Islands dollars per year – that is the equivalent of about AUD $90–$180.
“Some students after graduating, they go back to their community and implement what they have learnt for income generation. Others find job opportunities in industries, and some continue their education at the National University,” Sr Daniella shared.
“This year we have six students from DIVIT continuing their Diploma studies at the University. Those that got married have the basic life skills to look after their family and be a productive and resourceful community member, mother and partner.”
Empowering young people with disabilities
The San Isidro RTC has helped hundreds of young people with a hearing impairment gain new skills, learn sign language and create better futures for themselves.
One of these students is 15-year-old Emmanuel, who faced disruptions to his education because no one at his school could interpret for him.
San Isidro helped Emmanuel learn how to communicate in sign language, read, gain a basic understanding in finance and learn gardening. When he graduates, Emmanuel hopes to go home and help his parents with his newly acquired skills.
Emmanuel is a student at a Rural Training Centre in Solomon Islands. Photo: Caritas Australia
RTCs creating opportunities for young women like Glarita
Twenty four-year-old Glarita hails from the Malaita province in Solomon Islands. She joined the RTC in 2024 to further her education and learn vocational training skills.
Through the RTC, Glarita was able to access equipment and resources in activities such as agriculture, sewing, knitting, chicken raising and carpentry. She feels confident that she can use her skills to support her family’s livelihood after she graduates at the end of this year.
Glarita hopes to train other community members – especially the women in her home village, with her new skills and encourage other girls to further their education by attending RTCs.
Students at a Rural Training Centre in Solomon Islands that provides training to young people living with a disability. Photo: Caritas Australia
