2 December 2015
Empowering all Solomon Islanders: International Day of People with Disability
Today marks the “International Day of People with Disability”, a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote understanding of people with disability, and encourage support of their dignity, rights and wellbeing.
The Australian Government is committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities through its aid program internationally, and is working with partners to include people with disabilities through programs in Solomon Islands.
Through training and education support by the Australian Government, people with disabilities can have better access to opportunities for meaningful employment.
Through the Youth@Work Plus program, over 40 young Solomon Islanders with a disability completed employability training and work placements, which opened up opportunities to enter the workforce.
Also, in October this year, two deaf young men achieved their goals when they graduated with Australian trade qualifications from the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC). After studying in Fiji with the assistance of a sign interpreter, both students were able to fully participate in all aspects of the course.
These achievements have given the graduates higher duties in the workplace, and they are now role model for their communities.
APTC is a training program funded by the Australian Government to increase the supply of skilled workers in targeted sectors in the Pacific region.