Many chances for dropouts

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday July 10th, 2015

 THERE are many opportunities young people who drop out of school can pursue to become successful in life.

Veronica Steven can vouch for that. Steven, 27, from Wokia village in Mendi district, Southern Highlands, graduated from Iarowari High School in 2003. 

She however could not make it to Grade 11.

But it did not dampen her enthusiasm to continue her education because she knew it would come in handy later when she started looking for jobs.

“After graduating from Iarowari (High School), I enrolled at Limana Vocational Centre and graduated with a Certificate in Business Studies in 2005,” Steven said.

“From Limana, I was selected to take up a Diploma in Business Studies course at Port Moresby Business College. 

“But because of financial difficulties, I turned down the offer and stayed at home.” 

She applied to many organisations trying to find employment but was not successful.

Her thoughts turned back to her education. So she enrolled at the Commercial Training Centre in 2008 and graduated with a Certificate in Accounting Clerical in 2009.

But that still could not guarantee her a job.

“Despite having good papers, securing employment is another thing.There were no jobs. I applied for positions advertised but never received any responses,” she said.

In 2011, her friends told her about the PNG Life Education Institute.

“My friends encouraged me to stop wasting time at home and visit the school,” she said.

“They told me that this institute is good because they not only educate and train you, but they secure job training, which in most cases lead to permanent employment.” 

She immediately enrolled. After completing a Certificate in Basic Sales and Marketing, she underwent a six-week job training with PNG Power Limited.

Today, she has a full-time job with Panamax Pacific Limited. She is now into her fourth year with the firm and is a senior administration officer.

Her advice to young people who, like her drop out of school, to stop wasting their time at home and pursue other opportunities.

She says “passing time” at home only adds to the family’s burden. 

And she believes it takes perseverance, commitment, discipline and determination to push oneself forward in life and pursue goals. 

Steven says there are many privately-run institutions which provide second opportunities to school leavers and dropouts to further their education with job-based skills so that they can secure employment.

She knows. She has benefitted from one and is encouraging others to follow her.

One thought on “Many chances for dropouts

  • Congratulations Veronica. You’re story is inspirational to many, because it is relatable. Unemployment for drop outs is a reality that is sort of being skillfully ignored. And many pretend to be okay with it. Both the employed and the unemployed.

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