Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele and Madam Joycelyn Manele have graced the Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre graduation ceremony this week with their presence.

The graduation was held at Bethesda’s Henderson Training Centre, east of Honiara.   

Operated under the South Sea’s Evangelical Church (SSEC), Bethesda Disability Training Centre specialises in providing high quality inclusive training and lifestyle support to Solomon Islanders with special needs.  

Prime Minister Manele delivered the keynote address and officiated at the wertificates and awards presentation.

PM Manele’s remarks centred around the theme: “Empowering Abilities, Transforming Lives”.

He said, under the Government for National Unity and Transformation policy, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs are supporting people with special needs”.  

The Prime Minister also acknowledged faith-based institutions for their role in providing training for people with special needs to access equitable education.

Prime Minister Manele added, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development is developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Faith- based Education providers focusing on professional administration and technical support.

He encouraged the graduates to always strive for excellence and believe in themselves. Anything is possible.  

PM Manele urged the graduating students to continue to develop essential skills, fuel their determination and resilience and actively participate in their communities.

He also applauded the commitments and sacrifices of the School board and Staff of Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre.

“This occasion is a manifestation of your vision, love, sacrifice and duty as proud Solomon Islanders. You are the epitome of our national motto, to lead is to serve”. 

On behalf of the National Government, Prime Minister Manele recognised and paid tribute to the generous donors and development partners who continue to stand beside and support national efforts towards Special needs Training. 

Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre also received a token of appreciation from Madam Manele.