The Don Bosco Technical School in Alafua, Samoa is pleased to announce the transition into a Co-Educational School from the beginning of the 2020.

The school in consultation with the Salesians of Don Bosco Australia-Pacific Province decided it was imperative to recognise and support the needs of the community by providing the opportunity for young women to receive a quality education. In addition, a hospitality course will also be added to the current subjects offered, this will enable young people to obtain employment in the expanding tourism industry in Samoa.

To encourage female enrolments, the School in partnership with the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA), are granting scholarships to the first 30 students to register. Salesian Missions Australia Director, Br Michael Lynch, explained that girls with an education opportunity are able to earn a reliable source of income, which provides them with protection against exploitation.

Mr Mane Su’a, Principal, said that many of the students attend the school on scholarships. Vulnerable students who do not have the financial support to cover school fees are chosen. This will also now be applied to the first 30 young women who enrol.

The Don Bosco Technical School was opened in 1988, offering a second chance to young Samoan and Tokelauan men, many of whom struggled to successfully complete or continue in mainstream schooling. Currently, the schools has 200 students, 23 teachers and offers courses in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding and automotive fields.