Solomon Islands youth given greater access to workforce

Young people in the capital of Solomon Islands are gaining on-the-job training and greater employment opportunities, through World Vision’s Honiara Youth Development, Employment and Small Enterprise project.

During the past year, 60 youths have gone through hospitality training through a partnership between Heritage Park Hotel and World Vision. 

John Suri, 22, graduated from the ‘Employment Plus (E+)’ programme and thanked the hotel and World Vision for giving unemployed youth a chance to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to secure employment.

“This not only offers us an opportunity to improve our standard of living but also allow us to contribute to building the economy of our country,” he said.

Dilip Kumar Acharya, Human Resource and Training Manager of Heritage Park Hotel, praised the programme and said it ties in with the hotel’s strong desire to contribute to community development in Solomon Islands.

“I can proudly say that we have recruited 30 people and have given them permanent employment after the completion of their training,” said Mr Acharya.

“We have an in-house trainer who gives trainings to international standards and it’s amazing to see the interest, enthusiasm and the level of confidence the youth display in both the operational and support departments like housekeeping, food and beverage, front office, kitchen, stores and finance,” Mr Archarya added.

The hotel also keeps a database of trainees who they can call upon or recommend to other interested organisations.

“The beauty about this programme is that those who have undergone training but are not offered employment here can be recommended by us for employment elsewhere, where opportunities are available either within the industry or other different organisations,” Mr Acharya said.

Migration of youth from rural areas to the capital Honiara, is a major factor contributing to high rates of unemployment.

Angela Katai, 23, a program graduate who secured work with AusAID, said if more companies and organisations can follow the example set by Heritage Park Hotel, then they can help in tackling youth unemployment in Honiara.

“Securing permanent employment is a real challenge today but this programme has opened up new opportunities for us which is a real blessing and a timeless gift from World Vision and Heritage Park Hotel, to which we are so thankful,” Ms Katai said.

World Vision’s ‘Honiara Youth Development and Small Enterprise Project’ works with young people in Honiara to empower them to make better life and career choices. In addition to employment skills workshops, youths are also taught about the job application process, development of their curriculum vitae, interview and communication skills as well as other general life skills such as first aid and disaster management.