In May the Tonga Skills Team Leader, Dr Uhilomoelanai Fasi, spent a week in Vanuatu to gain insights into the successful Vanuatu Skills for Economic Growth Program.

The trip coincided with the annual Vanuatu Skills for Economic Growth Strategic Planning Workshop hosted by Vanuatu’s Team Leader, Fremden Yanhambath. This provided an opportunity for Dr Fasi to engage with his ni-Vanuatu counterparts and increase his understanding of effective approaches to skills development and skills sector reform that lead to inclusive economic growth outcomes.

“This is the first event of its kind, bringing together skills development programs from across the Pacific,” said Anthony Bailey, Tonga Skills Contractor Representative and Program Director.

During the week Dr Fasi travelled to Malekula, the second largest island in Vanuatu, to visit the Malampa Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Centre. He also toured the Sanma TVET Centre in Santo.

“Dr Fasi was introduced to activities and projects facilitated by the program, with site visits to the Malampa Women’s Handicraft Centre, tourism businesses and the Sanma Tourism Information Centre in Luganville,” says Anthony.

Tonga Skills and Vanuatu Skills for Economic Growth are two of several programs funded by the Australian Government under the Skills for Prosperity component of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Strategy for Australia’s aid investments in education 2015–2020. The visit was designed to promote collaboration between the two Skills for Prosperity programs and establish potential areas of collaboration between the two national skills systems.