The Tekelea Training Centre, with COL and MFAT New Zealand’s support, trained 54 youth in poultry farming, motor skills, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Using the “Tok Stori” method, they empowered diverse learners with practical skills and digital tools. The results? New farms, stronger communities. Cohort 2 aims for 100+ trainees.
From August 2024 to January 2025, the Pacific Partnership in Youth Skills, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship—delivered by the Tekelea Training Centre (TTC) with support from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and funding from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)—transformed the lives of 54 young people.
This wasn’t just another training programme. It was a lifeline for youth from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with practical skills like Poultry Keeping and Management, Outboard Motor Usage and Maintenance, alongside Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship.
Using the Melanesian-inspired “Tok Stori” approach—a storytelling method delivered in Solomon Islands Pidgin—we made learning resonate culturally, especially for those with limited formal education. Digital tools like Google Classroom, WhatsApp, and Zoom bridged gaps, blending tradition with innovation.
The impact? Trainees are launching small poultry farms, mastering new trades, and stepping up as community leaders. Financial literacy and leadership training have given them the tools to dream bigger—and act on it.
Looking ahead, TTC is gearing up for Cohort 2, targeting over 100 participants. With plans to improve tech access, offer transportation support, and upgrade facilities, TTC is committed to reaching even more youth. The next graduation ceremony will celebrate these emerging leaders’ bold steps toward sustainable futures.