Vaso: Young people ignored

By DULCIE OREKE
THE country’s youths have been neglected for far too long, Labour and Industrial Relations secretary George Vaso says.  
“We should be looking at diverting funds to areas that matter most and benefit most of the dropouts in the system,” he said.
He said there were many “white collar” graduates from university who were lacking in the skills areas.
He said there was a need for commitment from the government, employers and citizens to address the matter.
Speaking during the 2011 apprentice and trade test candidate of the year award last week in Port Moresby, he said those responsible should shoulder the responsibilities instead of
“passing the buck”.
Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Martin Aini lauded efforts of employers in the private and public sector who took part in training the young people.
“These are people who will contribute to the development of PNG’s economy,” he said.  
Board chairman Michael Malabag said the country was rich in renewable and non-renewable resources, especially in tourism, fisheries and agriculture areas that people needed to get into.
He said year after year the board had been financially handicapped instead of providing effective services.
Malabag said the board needed at least K500,000 annually to operate effectively.