In the Solomon Islands, a developing nation with a young and growing population, vocational training is crucial for economic progress. By equipping individuals with practical skills relevant to the job market, vocational training empowers Solomon Islanders to find employment, boost national productivity, and contribute to the overall development of the country. Moreover, recent statistics show that in 2023, 78,000 students dropped out of secondary school.
In response to this need, St. Martin’s Rural Training Centre is in Tenaru, about 16 km east of Honiara, provides vocational education for young Solomon Islanders. St. Martin’s was established in 1976 by a Marist Father and the Marists are still involved in the centre today.
The Centre also has boarding facilities for all students and provides teacher accommodation.
Sr Antonia, Principal of St Martin’s, states, “There is a great need, not just for skills training but also for the students' spiritual and physical needs.”
“These young men and women have dropped out from formal education. There’s no pathway for them to continue their formal education. So, they come here [to St Martin’s] for skills training.”
The Centre currently has 116 students, aged from 20-35 years. Courses include Carpentry, Life Skills, Mechanics, and Agriculture. The Centre offers two-year courses in each of these subjects with up to 80 new students starting each year.
Rose is an agriculture student at St Martin’s, “I came here with the purpose of learning new skills. I really want to learn how to plan certain crops.”
“After I finish my training here, my hope for the future is to teach what I have learned for the benefit of my people in the Solomon Islands.”
Many students have this outward focus for their future after completing their training. Some students have returned to their home villages, where they have opened their own small businesses, providing support to their families and community. Others secure employment in Honiara, working in offices or for large organisations.
“The biggest change in the students is they have hope now for their future. They have a big smile on their face because they have something now to move on and help their families,” says Sr Anthonia.
“I’m proud of the students. They have these skills now, they’re standing for themselves, and they support themselves. So, I’m proud of them."
Written by Adam Burns,
Communications & Engagement Officer,
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