PO Box 10885, Nadi Airport, Lot 13, Commercial Street, Namaka, Nadi, Fiji. Telephone: +679 672 8777 Fax: +679 672 7981 Email: alumni@aptc.edu.au www.aptc.edu.au

Alumni NewsletterVOLUME 3, EDITION 2: DECEMBER 2014

an opportunity to stay connected with both APTC, and with each other.

While the Alumni network previously had a presence on the APTC website, the revamped page provides additional information which is relevant to graduates and promotes Alumni engagement at APTC.

Features of the webpage includes most information on membership, ways in which Alumni are able to stay connected, Alumni news and activities, graduate profiles, chapter information and a photo gallery.

APTC Alumni Webpage link:www.aptc.edu.au/index.php/alumniensure

The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) Alumni webpage was officiallylaunched on Wednesday, 6 August at theTenimanraoi Maneaba, during the APTC

Carol‐Anne Blecich, Director Strategy and Development, launching the Alumni Webpage at the APTC Kiribati Graduation in August 2014.

Kiribati graduation ceremony. The purpose of the Alumni webpage is to strengthenlinks between APTC and its Alumni community. This link enables graduates

The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) Alumni in Samoa, together with APTC fabrication/welding students, used their combined skills to design and construct a shelter to house 3 steel bells, belonging to the Vaimoso Methodist Church. The bell house is an initiative developed by the church's Minister, who approached APTC in Samoa for their help.

The previous bell house was damaged by Cyclone Evan in December 2012. The students and Alumni completed this project voluntarily, giving their own time to make a difference in the local community. The bell house was constructed using mainly recycled metal materials. The painting of the structure was completed by members of the Church congregation, with help from two of APTC's Hospitality students.

According to the Chair of the APTC Alumni Chapter in Samoa, Iosefa Tautua, the community was very grateful as the students worked in their own time (evening and weekends) between January and April

of this year to complete the project. The students created wonderful cross-cultural relationships with members of thecongregation through this project. The cohesiveness within the team produced good results, ‘unity in diversity’ was observed as the strength of the team, says Iosefa who is also a member of, and representative for the Vaimoso Methodist Church.

"The ski l ls displayed by the students

revealed the high standard of training by APTC across the Pacific", says Iosefa. Iosefa, on behalf of the Vaimoso Methodist Church Minister and APTC Alumni Chapter in Samoa, also acknowledges the Govern-ment of Australia for "this meaningful educational development program (APTC) that means that people of the least developing countries can gain access to the higher institutions that will help them in social and economic developments of their respective countries".

APTC Alumni and Current Students Coordinate Project for Local Church

Alumni Webpage Launched

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS

APTC students and alumni outside the newly constructed bell tower.

PO Box 10885, Nadi Airport, Lot 13, Commercial Street, Namaka, Nadi, Fiji. Telephone: +679 672 8777 Fax: +679 672 7981 Email: alumni@aptc.edu.au www.aptc.edu.au

Alumni NewsletterVOLUME 3, EDITION 2: DECEMBER 2014

For some, a Kindergarten or day-care centre may conjure up images of out-of-control youngsters, tantrums, splattered paint and constant whining. And while the imagery screams chaos, it did not dampen the impassioned, entrepreneurial spirit of Shabreen Abadan, the owner of Lil Champs Preschool and Daycare in Namaka, Nadi and a graduate of the Australia-Pacific Technical College.

"I love children" she says with affection.

"I have a son in Class Five and didn't study

until he started school because I wanted to be there for that part of his childhood and didn't want to spoil that part of motherhood for him."

Born and bred in Savusavu, she recalls a happy childhood in Fiji's hidden paradise where she attended Savusavu Secondary School.

It's been about a decade since she settled in another of the country's tourist towns. It was in Nadi where she noticed that despite the varied employment offered by its boom-ing tourism and aviation sectors, many working parents faced a common struggle.

A teaching graduate of the Australia-Pacific Technical College, at the time of making this decision, Shabreen had by then already had about four years of teaching experience. And as her speciality and personal interest lay in young children, the thought of commencing her own business dedicated to looking after children seemed too irresistible a dream to not pursue.

"Feedback from my family and friends was overwhelming and everyone was so supportive. Even with getting the finances together, my family has been the backbone" she says with gratitude.

"Even organisations like Projects Abroad came forth to paint and offer assistance.

My interest and focus is in play-based learning and not having a system that is too structured for children because we want their interests to be fostered."

The past months have been spent in a flurry of paperwork, refurbishments, advertisements and dashing about for last minute touches but seeing her dream blossom to life in a flurry of colours has been more than worthwhile.(Source: Fiji Times, Saturday, August 23, 2014)

APTC Alumnus Opens Daycare CentreALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS

ENGAGE WITH YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER

Young ones at Lil Champs Preschool and Daycare in Namaka, Nadi.

Get involved in your country APTC Alumni Chapter activities, socialise with fellow alumni, develop professional networks and participate in community service projects.

Fiji Chapter: .........................Fiji.Alumni@aptc.edu.auKiribati Chapter: ...................Kiribati.Alumni@aptc.edu.auNauru Chapter: .....................Nauru.Alumni@aptc.edu.auPNG Chapter: .. .....................PNG.Alumni@aptc.edu.auSamoa Chapter: ...................Samoa.Alumni@aptc.edu.auSolomon Islands Chapter: .....Solomon.Alumni@aptc.edu.auTonga Chapter: .... ................Tonga.Alumni@aptc.edu.auVanuatu Chapter: ............. ....Vanuatu.Alumni@aptc.edu.au

Shabreen with her Diploma of Children’s Services at APTC Nadi graduation on 14 November 2014.

PO Box 10885, Nadi Airport, Lot 13, Commercial Street, Namaka, Nadi, Fiji. Telephone: +679 672 8777 Fax: +679 672 7981 Email: alumni@aptc.edu.au www.aptc.edu.au

Alumni NewsletterVOLUME 3, EDITION 2: DECEMBER 2014

the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women & Poverty Alleviation.

Teresia Mateiwai, Chapter Treasurer,graduated from APTC with a Diploma inCommunity Services Work. She currentlyworks at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women & Poverty Alleviation as a Principal Welfare Officer for the Western Division and is based in Lautoka.

Vasemaca Vuki-Hargrove, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She currently works for Williams & Gosling Ltd in Suva as a Training Officer.

Sandeep Chand, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with a Certificate III in Plumbing. He is currently a Training Officer (Plumbing) at the Fiji National University in Labasa.

Front from left: Moureen Khan (Deputy Chair), Teresia Mateiwai(Treasurer), Timaleti Lewanavanua (Secretary)

Standing from left: Vasemaca Vuki-Hargrove (General Member),Harry Smith (Chair)

Insert top left: Sandeep Chand (General Member)

Left to right: Richard Kalses (General Member), Serah Tari (General Member),Edwish Malau (Treasurer), James Roy Matariki (Chair),

Rollyne Liu (Secretary), Joe Timothy (Deputy Chair)

FIJI CHAPTER

VANUATU CHAPTER

Meet the Leadership Committees of the Alumni Chapters

Harry Smith, Chapter Chair, graduated from APTC with a Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. He currently works for the Ministry of Education (TVET) as a Senior Education Officer in Suva.

Moureen Khan, Chapter Deputy Chair, graduated from APTC with a Diploma in Children's Services. She is currently the Centre Director at New Generation Early Learning Centre in Lautoka.

Timaleti Lewanavanua, Chapter Secretary, graduated from APTC with a Diploma in Community Services Work. She is currently a Welfare Officer at

Serah Tari, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with a Certificate III in Tourism. She has a lot of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry. She is currently self-employed, running her own tour operation, Gahena’s Travel & Tours.

Edwish Malau, Chapter Treasurer, graduated from APTC with a Certificate III in Hospitality and a Certificate III in Tourism. She is currently working in administration at Azure Pure Water and has previously worked in the hospitality industry.

James Roy Matariki, Chapter Chair, graduated from APTC with a Certificate III in Plumbing. He works at the Vanuatu Parliament as a political secretary. He also does a lot of voluntary work with the churches and NGOs.

qualification. His is the CEO of the Vanuatu Agriculture College.

Rollyne Liu, Chapter Secretary, graduated from APTC with a Certificate III in Hospitality and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is a Trainer in Hospitality with APTC, at its Vanuatu Campus.

Joe Timothy, Chapter Deputy Chair, graduated from APTC with a Diploma in Management. In addition he also holds a Diploma and Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master of Science (Science Education)

PO Box 10885, Nadi Airport, Lot 13, Commercial Street, Namaka, Nadi, Fiji. Telephone: +679 672 8777 Fax: +679 672 7981 Email: alumni@aptc.edu.au www.aptc.edu.au

Alumni NewsletterVOLUME 3, EDITION 2: DECEMBER 2014

Rokobati Tearo, Chapter Chair, is the Acting Principal of the Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT). He graduated from APTC with Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Reetati Tekaai, Chapter Deputy Chair, is Receptionist Supervisor at Utirerei Motel. She graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Hospitality.

Tarere Kaitara, Chapter Secretary, is the Business Trainer at the Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT). She graduated from APTC with Certificate IV in Youth Work and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Aneri Ari, Chapter Treasurer, works at the Labour Department in the ‘Business incubator’ scheme. He graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.

Christopher Edwards, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, is a Police Trainer for new policemen recruitment. He graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Community Services Work.

Front from left: Reetati Tekaai (Deputy Chair), Rokobati Tearo (Chair),Tarere Kaitara (Secretary)

Standing from left: Christopher Edwards (General Member), Aneri Ari (Treasurer)

Sitting from left: Billy Koloa (Treasurer), Nathan Lati (Deputy Chair), Anton Nimehendu (ChapterMember), Thomas Arua (Chapter Member), Gabriel Bisu (General Member),

Babara Lolo (General Member), Regina Kakori (General Member)Standing from left: John Sam (Chair), Ama Polili (Secretary)

KIRIBATI CHAPTER

PNG CHAPTER

Meet the Leadership Committees of the Alumni Chapters

from APTC with Certificate III in Children's Services. She is a Teacher at the Zion Zeal Primary School.

Regina Kakori, one of the General Members

Billy Koloa, Chapter T r e a s u r e r , w h o i salso self-employed,graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Hospitality.

Nathan Lati, Chapter Deputy Chair, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Tourism. He works as the Chief CaretakerIOM PNG AVR Program.

Gabriel Bisu, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Hospitality (Patisserie). He works as a Chef at Airways Hotel.

Babara Lolo, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated

of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Children's Services. She is a Teacher at the Zion Zeal Primary School.

John Sam, Chapter Chair, is a Teacher at the Zion Zeal Primary School. He graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Children's Services.

Ama Polili, Chapter Secretary, graduated from APTC with Certificate IV in Youth

Work. She works as the Personal Officer at the HRD National Youth Commission Services.

PO Box 10885, Nadi Airport, Lot 13, Commercial Street, Namaka, Nadi, Fiji. Telephone: +679 672 8777 Fax: +679 672 7981 Email: alumni@aptc.edu.au www.aptc.edu.au

Alumni NewsletterVOLUME 3, EDITION 2: DECEMBER 2014

Left to right: Johnson Oeta (General Member), Eddie Oli (Deputy Chair), Johnny Tasa (Chair), Clera Maniru (General Member), Grace Piko (Secretary/Treasurer), Francis William Rea (General Member)

SOLOMON ISLANDS CHAPTERMeet the Leadership Committees of the Alumni Chapters

Eddie Oli, Chapter Deputy Chair, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Diesel Fitting). He currently works as a private constructor.

Johnny Tasa, Chapter Chair, graduated

from APTC with Certificate III in Carpentry. He works at the Ministry of Education-KGVI as HOS Design Technolgy.

Clera Manuri, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Diploma of Children's Services. She currently works at APTC as a Tutor - Early Childhood Education & Care.

Grace Piko, Chapter Secretary/Treasurer, graduated from APTC with Diploma of Children's Services. She currently works as an Early Childhood Teacher.

Francis Rea, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Certificate IV in Youth Work. He currently works with of the NGO’s.

Johnson Oeta, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology. He works for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Works as a Supervisor mechanic.

Left to right: Masoe Iosefa Tautua (Chair), Apelu Pula (Deputy Chair), Lomitusi Manesa (Secretary/Treasurer),Kotone Alatimu (General Member), Tuasivi Kaleopa (General Member),

Daniella Ah Leong-Leota (General Member), Soteria Ainuu-Tufuga (General Member)

SAMOA CHAPTERMasoe Iosefa Tautua, Chapter Chair, graduated from APTC with Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. He currently works for the Electric Power Corporation as Marketing and Sales Manager.

Apelu Pula, the Chapter Deputy Chair,graduated from APTC with Certificate IVin Training and Assessment. He is currently a volunteer Counsellor at Samoa Victim Support.

Lomitusi Manesa, Chapter Secretary/ Treasurer, graduated from APTC withCertificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery). He currently works as a HeadChef at New Hope Academy.

Kotone Alatimu, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. He currently works for the Samoa Airport

Authority as the Manager in the Engineering Department.

Tuasivi Kaleopa, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade) and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. He is theNational Trainer for Fabrication and Welding at APTC Samoa Campus.

Daniella Ah Leong-Leota, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with

Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is the National Trainer for Commercial Cookery at APTC Samoa Campus.

Soteria Ainuu-Tufuga, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Tourism. She is the Corporate Administration Officer at APTC Samoa Campus.

PO Box 10885, Nadi Airport, Lot 13, Commercial Street, Namaka, Nadi, Fiji. Telephone: +679 672 8777 Fax: +679 672 7981 Email: alumni@aptc.edu.au www.aptc.edu.au

Alumni Newsletter

Allan is very grateful to the Australian Government for providing him with the opportunity to study at APTC and obtain an Australian qualification. Allan states that “my family and I are very grateful to the Australian Government and the people of Australia for funding the APTC campuses in the Pacific. Over the years, many students have graduated from APTC campuses and are now working in different organisations”.

Allan further commented that “APTC is a sustainable program which will go a long way to benefit the people in the Pacific. APTC has well established programs and qualified teaching staff with modern facilities for learning”.

While studying at APTC Samoa Campus, Allan gained valuable practical experience in organising, coordinating and conducting tours in Samoa.

According to Allan, “APTC has quality

Living and studying at APTC Samoa Campus with students from different Pacific Island countries created many memorable moments for Allan Sumb. Allan is from Papua New Guinea and graduatedfrom APTC in 2010 with Certificate III in Tourism.

facilities and qualified staff who have done everything possible to provide quality education. They have provided excellent student services, course materials, learning facilities, accommodation and other support services were fantastic".

Allan enjoyed his study and stay in Samoa. He also met his wife Siuila Posenai during this time. They now have two beautiful daughters, Walga who is three years old and Sathila who is six months old.

Allan has a great desire to learn. After graduating from APTC, Allan furthered his studies and completed Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning from the Divine Word University. He is now interested in pursuing a master degree and eventually, to pursue doctoral studies.

Allan is a tutor at the Divine Word University at Madang, Papua New Guinea.

ALUMNI PROFILE Allan Sumb

VOLUME 3, EDITION 2: DECEMBER 2014

Meet the Leadership Committees of the Alumni ChaptersTONGA CHAPTER

Seluvaia Moala, Chapter Treasurer, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Hospitality. She runs her own handicraft business.

‘Anitita Niu, Chapter Secretary, graduated from APTC with Diploma of Children's Services. She is currently a Teacher at the Taimalie Mei Langi Preschool.

Kalolaine Katoa, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Diploma of Children's Services. She currently works as a Teacher at the Salvation Army Kindergarten.

Simuoko Naufahu, Chapter Deputy Chair, graduated from APTC with Diploma of Children's Services. She currently works as a Teacher at the Salvation Army Kindergarten.

Vaisima Langi, Chapter Chair, graduated from APTC with Certificate III in Hairdress-ing. He currently works as a Hairdresser at the Tungi Colonade Hair Saloon.

Melania Niudamu, one of the General Members of the Leadership Committee, graduated from APTC with Diploma of Children's Services. She currently works as a Teacher at the Nakelo Preschool.

Left to right: Kalolaine Katoa (General Member), Simuoko Naufahu (Deputy Chair), Vaisima Langi (Chair), Melanie Kaloudau (General Member), Seluvaia Moala (Treasurer)

‘Anitita Niu (Secretary)