Malo Islanders and people around Vanuatu will soon be benefiting from VAC (Vanuatu Agriculture College) - standard courses.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to facilitate the courses was signed at the Matahi Rural Training Center (RTC) premises in Malo last week.
Radio Vanuatu reports it would be history for Vanuatu and especially Malo islanders as never before such opportunities were brought to their doorstep.
The agreement between Matahi and the VAC which would see VAC trainers soon be disseminating Certificate 1 in Livestock specializing in poultry courses for farmers and learners alike.
The RTC manager Mr Joel Daniels said the training will be a great opportunity not only for the locals but islanders as well since it does not favor age or gender but accepts both young and old and the disabled.
This project will help local farmers to improve their ways of raising poultry farms while at the same time continue to help them produce more farms products to benefit themselves and the people around them,” he said.
There are many locals who have poultry farms but with little skills. The courses delivered will enhance and improve their skills.
This is a pilot project that has never been tried before around Vanuatu but has been proposed for Certificate 1 in Livestock specializing in Poultry to be delivered in Malo and Certificate 1 in Horticulture to be delivered in Lathi, Santo.
When Matahi RTC is comfortable and confident the courses will extend to Certificate two while at the same time expanding the program to other provinces around Vanuatu.
At the occasion representatives from the Agricuture College were present including the Curriculum Development Officer, Mr Christopher Radcliffe and Livestock Trainer Mr Sandy H. Mael.
VAC Curriculum Development Officer, Mr Radcliffe says this is an important step forward for Matahi as it will lower the burden of costs to and from VAC for training sessions.
“This project will empower RTC trainings to farmers and if turns out well, we will start introducing to all provinces to support and strengthen Agriculture within communities,” he said.
He further stressed that it is in the government’s plan to see all RTCs growing in numbers and resources and delivering higher trainings.
Poultry farmers who were present at the time shared their experiences and challenges and one of which is shortage of chicken feed at the market and pests ravaging and killing the layers and broilers.
“I am happy now that such high standard trainings will soon be delivered here in Malo. I thank the authorities responsible for planning such a good initiative. Am sure from these trainings I will be able to pay for my children’s fees and attend to our household needs,” said one poultry farmer.
Mr Daniels who is a degree holder in Agriculture, further commented that Malo Island, who is the leading producer of copra, has great potential in developing chicken farms and encourages both young and old and the disabled to get trainings from the local RTC to boost their knowledge and skills in farming.
Matahi Chairman, Mr Tari Masanga concluded by thanking VAC for the initiative and encouraged the islanders and youth groups to support VAC to develop Malo and Vanuatu as a whole.
Certificate 2 will focus on Piggery and other farm animals.
The modules will be delivered in a 16 week period timeframe and 3-4 days in a week.
News credit: Vourie Molivakoro