Reading a copy of today’s Island Sun newspaper, I see that Dr. Transform Aqorau has said education is the way forward.
Quote
Speaking to students during Goldie College’s graduation last week, he said Solomon Islands needs scholars in different professions to drive the country’s ambitions.
“We can be able to put this country in a better position by doing well in education,” Aqorau said.
He adds that education is one of the best weapons that can protect the country’s sovereignty from bad influence coming from the outside world.
Dr.Aqorau said the world is changing at a rapid pace with many challenges some of which are threatening the core existence of the country.
He urged students to take education seriously by putting commitments towards their studies.
“I’ve paved the way to show pacific countries that we can do whatever other developed countries can do.
“I strongly believe that you are capable of going further in your studies and I must encourage you to be serious in your education,”Dr.Aqorau said.
End of quote
Comment
Academic success is important because it directly decides the positive outcomes of the students after graduating.
Academic achievers in the Solomon Islands, in addition to their individual degrees gain values, emotional intelligence,, self-efficacy, and so on and owe much to their parents for having paid their school, college and university costs.
What, however, when it comes to self-esteem? I raise this point because many recent graduates have been unable to find local employment and have been more or less forced to join the offshore seasonal work programmes operated by both the Australian and New Zealand governments.
Five or more years or more at University gaining good academic qualifications to end up picking fruit of vegetable planting away from home must be heart-breaking, but better than no work at all.
How and when will job opportunities be created at home or offshore recruiters recognize the talents of Solomon Islands young academics?
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
