Parents need to encourage their children to work hard and start a business rather than working hard to get a job.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate as he commissioned the Namara Pilot Project.
Usamate highlighted that the employment rate in 2010 was 7.1% and as of today it has dropped to 4.5%.
He also highlighted that the Ministry of Employment is targeting school leavers the most as they are vulnerable when it comes to finding work.
Usamate adds that the Pilot Project in Namara was the first of its kind in the country adding that this is just the first stage as his ministry will use this project as a base for villagers looking to work under seasonal workers scheme overseas.
He says that the ministry aims to use more people from villages as they are very hardworking and will use their money to improve their lifestyle in the village rather than moving to urban centres.
The Namara Pilot Project employs 30 villagers and creates a source of income for the village through the planting of sandalwood.
Village headman Mariko Rokolato says the 30 villagers who are part of the Pilot Project are also part of National Employment Centre and receive $100 a week for their hard work.
