JYAA Youths Complete OBM Engines & Sea Safety Training In Isabel

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A total of 26 participants from the second cohort graduated with a Certificate of Achievement from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU). The training, part of the “Empowering School Dropouts in Solomon Islands with Hands-On Training in OBM” project, was funded by the Canadian Government through the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and facilitated by SINU.

The graduates included six females and 20 males, ranging from young school dropouts to mature participants. For many, especially the young women, the experience was life-changing.

“We never imagined having this kind of training right at our doorstep. It made learning easier and more accessible for us,” shared one female participant.

Another participant expressed gratitude to JYAA for securing funding from CFLI, making the training possible. She added, “This type of training is usually seen as a ‘boys’ thing,’ but we girls have the ability to do it too. We’re grateful to SINU for bringing their lecturer to our community.”

Many school dropouts in Solomon Islands struggle to find information about education and training opportunities. This program not only provided practical skills in OBM servicing, repair, and maintenance but also guided participants on possible educational pathways.

One graduate shared his excitement, saying he now feels determined to pursue further studies after the training. JYAA has already helped two participants from the first cohort enroll in SINU for Heavy Mechanics and light vehicle mechanics in 2025.

With the completion of this second cohort, JYAA is wrapping up the project and preparing its final report.

JYAA extends its sincere thanks to the Canadian Government, SINU, the youth of Lepi, and everyone who contributed to the program’s success.

“If it weren’t for the youths, we wouldn’t have been able to access this project. Youth issues are everyone’s business,”a JYAA representative stated.

JYAA remains committed to advocacy and networking to ensure more young people can access education and skills training to build a brighter future.