A group of 55 school principals, heads of TVET programmes and missionary volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met in Nadi last week to discuss ways to help students achieve their technical and vocational education goals.
“The main aim of both the TVET and the teaching and learning summit was to enhance the school in its effort to develop students in holistic ways—spiritually, academically, physically, emotionally, socially and financially," said Salote Maiwiriwiri, principal of the LDS Church College in Tamavua.
"All these components of a student’s life are vital in becoming self-reliant.”
Michael Carthew, director of Pacific Church Schools of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, "TVET is an important part of our high schools and we are seeking to improve our offerings to meet the needs of as many students as possible.
"We see TVET as providing an important part of our students' education as we seek to provide students with as many options as possible for further education and employment according to their talents and interests. These programs will grow to become a great blessing to our young people.”
The week-long meeting was divided into two parts. The first two and a half days were dedicated to TVET areas and the second two and a half days were dedicated to teaching and learning in the classroom.
Mr Carthew said that the summit was focused on teaching and teacher development. The goals were to identify challenges and agree upon vision and strategy to improve.
“The outcomes of the summit were beyond anything we could have hoped for," he said.
"Our team of principals are all talented and passionate educators. There is great power in bringing such people together in unity to prayerfully formulate a direction and vision for the future. Our schools will move forward steadily as we implement the ideas we discussed during our time together.
"It was a great experience for all and we look forward to moving forward with this very important work of educating God's children," Cathew said.
The teachers and principals came from Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati and Fiji.