Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

Speech 081205 TAFE Graduation

IEA College of TAFE Graduation

Friday 5th December 2008, Ela Beach Campus, Port Moresby

Speech by Australian Deputy High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. John Feakes

 

I also would like to thank you for the invitation to speak to you today at this very exciting occasion. I’m very happy to be joining you here today.

I’m very proud to have been asked here today as a representative of the Australian Government. We all have strong shared interests in Papua New Guinea’s development, stability and prosperity. Australia is a true friend, as reflected by our shared history, the personal links that bind our two people together at all levels, and our cooperation on Papua New Guinea’s development through the aid program – not to mention our cultural similarities, like our shared passion for sport. So I am honoured that this is recognised by your invitation to me to speak here today.

We are here today to celebrate the graduation of students of the fourth class of IEA College of TAFE - Ela Beach Campus.

As every one here can attest, the Tertiary and Further Education, or TAFE system as it’s better known, plays a vital role in the development of Papua New Guinea. Each and every one of the graduates here today is a prime example of the tremendous value of education to this country.

TAFE educational facilities, such as this campus, fill a vital role in the educational life of this country. TAFE colleges are the perfect educational option for those students that want to receive a practical, hands-on education that prepares them for future roles in the nation’s workforce.

A good education is a life-long investment in your future. Through years of hard work to get to this day, today’s students are now prepared to hit the ground running in the professional environment.

This particular TAFE campus provides a wide range of educational disciplines – from clerical, sales and financial services, to computing and Information Technology, to hospitality and tourism and even children’s services.

I am told that the goal of the training and development programs in IEA is twofold.

First, it is to make available quality training programs that will provide pre-employment training for students that provides them with the greatest opportunity to join the formal workforce.

Second, it seeks to build the capacity of current employees to perform to the highest standard in their careers and achieve promotion by merit.

Look around you here today. These TAFE graduates are the future backbone of PNG industry. For this country to capitalise on the tremendous growth opportunities it has been blessed with, a professionally trained workforce is vital.

TAFE is all about learning by doing, by practicing the skills and knowing the job and the unique qualities of your chosen career.

Part of the skills and knowledge that you have acquired here is the confidence that goes with knowing that you are well-trained and have the ability to do the job on day one.

Upon entering this school, you made a life-long decision to make a difference in your own future – and the future of your country. And, in today’s Papua New Guinea, the choice to further your education is incredibly empowering. You now have the ability to set your own destiny, to make a better life for yourself, your family, and your country.

Each of you are now role models to your community – and you should not take on this responsibility lightly, but rather know that after today, many others are looking upon you to take the skills learned here to make your contribution to society.

You are not just graduates, you are now leaders. I personally challenge you to be energetic in your jobs, in your families and in your communities, to make your village, town and country the best place it can be.

As I said, Papua New Guinea has tremendous opportunities, but it also faces some serious challenges. It is up to you as leaders to be true to your ideals, make an active contribution on these issues and, with your families and communities, continue making Papua New Guinea the country you want it to be.

For the teachers and training staff of the school – you too have dedicated your life to improving the future of Papua New Guinea. By devoting your time and energy into the education of these fine leaders, you are at the forefront of ensuring that future generations of Papua New Guineans have more opportunities afforded to them that only a quality education can provide. You too should be celebrated here today.

For the business community – you are looking at tomorrow’s workforce. These students come to you ready to work and make a difference in your business. Filling the skills shortage with well-trained Papua New Guineans goes a long way towards ensuring the ongoing growth of this nation’s economy. PNG is on the precipice of extraordinary growth – and today’s graduating students will help your businesses participate fully.

For the parents and families – you must be so proud today as you watch your own accept their hard earned diplomas. You too have made a life-long investment in these young adults to see they grew up in a way to realise their own dreams – and the dreams of your family. You too should be celebrated today.

Now, one thing so many people today are learning is that education no longer stops on graduation day. I call on each of you to continue your own education and to encourage your friends, families, and co-workers to continue their education. Whether it be through TAFE, continuing studies, or just practicing what you’ve already learned – we should help spread the good word of education so that more Papua New Guineas can get the training and the skills they need to qualify for better-paying jobs and good high- skill jobs for a good future.

Congratulations and good luck.

Thank you. God bless.