CITTI Tertiary students acknowledged at graduation

More than 50 students wore ei’s and proud smiles when they graduated from the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute on Friday.

More than 50 students wore ei’s and proud smiles when they graduated from the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute on Friday.

The ceremony, which took place at the National Auditorium, began with a turou and included speeches from director of CITTI Owen Lewis, Minister of Education Teina Bishop, NZ High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers and graduate Angela Taoro, who previously won a silver medal representing CITTI at the prestigious Toque d’Or competition.

The ceremony was attended by Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters, and Prime Minister Henry Puna who presented qualifications to students.

The first group to graduate was 12 students from the faculty of hospitality and services. They were followed by 19 students who had completed a retail qualification with support from CITC, and 26 students who are graduating from the faculty of trades and technology.

In his opening address, Lewis said graduation is a time of reflection, telling graduates “You have earned everything you’ve achieved”.

He thanked family members for attending the ceremony, saying “Your presence is a reminder that our service is shared by families, and we thank you for your support”.

Following an opening pure by Ngatokorua Patia and a hymn by members of CICC Avarua, Kempkers congratulated the students on their achievements, and added that it is important to continue to strive for success and put their skills into practise.

“The best education systems in the world are not a substitute for hard work Unless you apply the skills you have learned, that qualification is little more than a piece of paper.”

As well as the students who graduated, the ceremony also offered acknowledgement to new awardees of scholarships, funded by New Zealand, Australia and the Cook Islands government.