By Loretta B Manele

Tekelea Training Centre proudly celebrated a historic achievement this month; its first graduation of 38 youths from the Pacific Partnership in Youth Skills and Leadership Training project.

According to a press statement from the centre, the graduation signifies not only a key milestone for the centre but as well as a life-changing accomplishment for the graduates who can now be able to shape their futures and contribute to the economic and social transformation of their communities.

Conducted over a time span of several weeks of intensive training, the youths gained practical knowledge in Leadership, Poultry Farming, Entrepreneurship, and Outboard Motor Repair (OBM).

Now equipped with skills, the youths are empowered to embark on new ventures, create opportunities and bring positive change to their communities.

From the event, two youths shared their stories about how the training has made an impact on them.

Rebecca Pita, a 22-year-old from Guadalcanal province expressed that before the training, she didn’t have a clear path but afterwards she is now confident and has the skills to start her poultry farming business.

“My dream is to provide jobs for young people in my village and be an example of what’s possible”

Another graduate, 25-year-old John Ramo said learning “entrepreneurship” has opened his mind to what’s possible.

“I’m now ready to start my OBM repair business and help my community access reliable services”

Martin Otto, Co-founder of Tekelea Training Centre also shared his reflections on the project’s success and the foundational role of indigenous pedagogy in shaping its approach.

He stated that it is a proud moment for them at Tekelea Training Centre.

Otto said the 38 graduates are proof that they can build a future inspired by the wisdom of our ancestors.

“For us, it’s not just about providing skills; it’s about reconnecting with our roots and blending them with modern advancements like online learning”

Otto said at Tekelea they believe in using a pedagogy that has been passed down from their ancestors and combining it with technology to create a powerful tool for transformation.

“We must not forget that tok stori—the art of storytelling—is our pedagogy, given to us by our creator as a way of sharing knowledge without a single drop of ink. This program’s success is a testament to the strength of that tradition and our ability to adapt it to a changing world”

Otto pointed out that the graduation is more than an achievement; it’s a movement.

“By integrating ancestral wisdom with modern tools, we can empower our youth to lead us into a brighter future, just as our ancestors’-built communities with wisdom, resilience, and vision”

As the 38 graduates move forward, Tekelea Training Centre will continue to support them through mentorship and opportunities to ensure their success.

The centre remains committed to its mission of empowering young Solomon Islanders to create a peaceful, productive, and hopeful society.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Tekelea Training Centre, was an uplifting occasion showcasing the hard work, perseverance and transformative growth of the participants.

The Pacific Partnership in Youth Skills and Leadership Training project is supported by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

This project aims to tackle youth unemployment, nurture leadership and foster sustainable livelihoods.

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