Solomon Islands students studying in Fiji have commended the quality of education received through APTC, saying it has enriched them with a deeper understanding and perspective of individual support.

The fifteen Solomon Islands nationals have been in Fiji for four months undertaking studies for the Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015).  

Gratal Sendersley from Western Province worked as a Registered Nurse in Honiara for 28 years and is approaching retirement. She said studying with other Solomon Islanders in Fiji this semester has broadened their perspectives.

“I really like the course and I’m learning a lot so far, especially how to interact with the patients and look after the elderly,” she said.

According to Greta, the training has opened her eyes to the many ways in which the elderly are often neglected and has caused her to reflect on her own practices going forward. She plans to use her newfound skills at home as well as abroad as part of the Solomon Islands Government’s priority for labour mobility opportunities for citizens.

A lecturer at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Jack Lamani, from the Makira province also shared his interest in studying individual support.

“Studying individual support is an ideal opportunity to bring the concept to SINU. The good thing about the course is that it is well organised, well structured, well delivered, and has lots of activities that enhance our skills,” he said.

“It is not just about theory but the practical side as well, which is very interesting. I’ve never been in aged care before but doing nursing is part of it. Here it is different and it’s deeper.”

He said the idea behind his study of the course is to support the efforts of SINU in introducing new courses and further developing their current courses.