Tvet skills scholarships launched

National, Normal
Source:

By DULCIE OREKE

A TECHNICAL vocational education trade (Tvet) skills scholarship programme was launched yesterday in Port Moresby.
The main objective of the project is to contribute to equitable economic growth.
Tvet scholarship also aims to contribute to poverty reduction in PNG through the development of a highly-skilled technical workforce, Office of Higher Education director general Dr William Tagis said.
Tagis said the launch demonstrated a lasting decision that he believed would enable a “guiding light” for the country in training. 
He added the occasion further demonstrated maturity and relationship between the PNG and Australian governments.
Tagis commended the Australian government and responsible TAFE colleges where the training would be conducted for 200 students who would be selected to begin training next year in Australia.
The programme launched by the Deputy Prime Minister Don Polye at Holiday Inn would continue for a five-year period.
During that period it is anticipated that about 2,000 PNG nationals would be trained in highly specialised skills.
Australian parliamentary secretary for the Pacific Richard Marles, who was also present, congratulated the PNG government for the initiative undertaken.
He said the Australia government was committed to supporting the programme through AusAID while looking forward to the awardees starting their training in Australia next year.
Marles also said that the programme would also forge lasting friendships for students in both countries.