(contenu disponible en anglais uniquement)

Welcome Remarks by Mr Ellis Silas, Quality Systems Manager at Vanuatu Skills Partnership during the closing event for Training of Trainers for the Resilience Qualification

Distinguished Guests, Participants from PNG and Vanuatu, trainers, and partners,

As we end this transformative and pioneering phase of the Training of Trainers in Resilience, it is with immense pride and joy that we reflect upon the remarkable strides made during this significant endeavour.

The past days have been a testament to collaboration, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in the quest of building resilient communities. The commitment demonstrated by each participant and the collective efforts of the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change and Resilience Building Project (PACRES) with the unwavering support from the South Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), and the University of the South Pacific (USP) have truly set a high watermark.

The purpose of this training has been crystal clear – to equip and empower you, our esteemed trainers, with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver the Articulated Resilience Certificate Levels 2 & 4. These certifications, launched in April 2022, stand as pillars of expertise in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Your newfound qualifications not only signify your personal achievements but also pave the way for the greater resilience of our Pacific region.

During and after this training, the benefits resonate profoundly. You've upskilled yourselves, delving deeper into the realms of resilience, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. Your journey here ensures that you are now equipped to pass on this invaluable knowledge, fostering resilience within our communities and across the region.

This phenomenal accomplishment couldn’t have been possible without the unyielding support and collaboration of the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change and Resilience Building Project (PACRES), the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP), the Pacific Regional Federation for Resilience Professionals (PRFRP), the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP). Their contributions in organizing, funding, and coordinating this training stand as a testament to the power of partnerships in effecting positive change.

Looking ahead, our collaborations are far from over. SPC-EQAP is committed to supporting institutions willing to offer these qualifications. Their guidance will focus on ensuring the compliance of documentation and processes in alignment with each Country’s Qualification Assurance Framework, and for Vanuatu through VQA and MOET, ensuring that the knowledge imparted here is disseminated with the highest standards of quality and integrity.

In closing, I urge each of you to carry forward the torch of resilience, knowledge, and collaboration that this training has ignited. May you continue to be the beacons of change, spreading the light of resilience in our communities.

Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and the enthusiasm you've demonstrated throughout this significant regional accredited training in resilience for the first cohort in Vanuatu.

We all join you today to wishing you success and looking forward to witnessing the transformative impact of your efforts in the days to come.

Thank you tumas, and Vina vakalevu!