Seventy-eight educators from Kiribati’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have enhanced their ability to effectively engage with staff and students, thanks to a series of professional development workshops conducted by the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in collaboration with the Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT).
The workshop brought together managers and senior staff from KIT, the Marine Training Centre, and the Kiribati School and Centre for Children with Special Needs. The workshop equipped participants with essential skills to foster a more productive and inclusive learning environment.
The Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati, H.E Karen Bray, commended APTC and KIT for their ongoing commitment to professional development, emphasising its positive impact on the staff.
“These workshops will significantly benefit staff by enhancing skills and fostering a more effective learning environment. I want to reaffirm Australia’s support towards the delivery of quality TVET in Kiribati, an important sector that needs continuous support and skill development in building a robust vocational education system,” H.E Bray said.
Project Manager for the Kiribati School and Centre for Children with Special Needs, Linda Uan, highlighted that the valuable training has provided their three staff members with new approaches to teaching and managing teams, especially in supporting students with disabilities.
“This training has been invaluable for our team. It introduced us to new teaching approaches and strategies for managing staff, particularly supporting students with disabilities. It’s a positive step forward for our school. Thank you, Australia through APTC, for this workshop.”
Deputy Team Leader for Kiribati-Australia Skills for Employment Partnership at KIT, Dr Valentine Hazelman, underlined the importance of capacity development for staff.
“KIT is grateful to APTC for this professional development opportunity. Proficiency in technical and vocational skills is vital for creating an inclusive and productive work environment.”
APTC Country Director for the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, Abigail Chang, remarked on APTC’s efforts to strengthen TVET in Kiribati, empowering educators with the expertise to shape future generations.
“Equipping these critical roles with essential skills ensures that they are well-prepared to create positive and inclusive learning environments, benefiting students and communities alike,” Ms Chang added.
The training covered adult learning theories for staff training, productivity hacks for all staff, and strategies for handling difficult conversations aimed at helping managers enhance workplace performance and communication.
APTC collaborates with partners like KIT, government agencies, and industries to deliver quality TVET across the Pacific and Timor-Lester, promoting sustainable growth and empowering communities through skills development.
