By BERNARD NANDE
A Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) center in Southern Highlands Province has denied students the opportunity to graduate due to the mismanagement of school funds.
KEPI TVET in Ialibu has faced scrutiny over massive financial mismanagement and misuse of funds by previous administrations and its school board, leading to a four-year halt in student graduations and the school’s decline.
However, on Thursday, a turning point brought hope to students during the center’s 18th graduation ceremony. Under new leadership, spearheaded by school manager Ms. Wate Raita and board chairman Councillor Koyari Turi, 54 students were successfully graduated.
Ms. Raita, in her address, provided a detailed report highlighting K500,000 in unpaid claims to service providers, accumulated by previous management. She emphasized that these financial burdens were the primary reason for the school’s deterioration, hindering infrastructure development and the purchase of essential learning tools and equipment.
In just three months, Ms. Raita’s leadership has made significant improvements, including prioritizing the students’ graduation. She also announced that the current administration would not pay any unverified outstanding bills, urging service providers to seek court verification before payment is considered.
Highlands Regional TVET Coordinator Mr. Melex Bosip, Provincial TVET Coordinator Mr. Niso Kobol, and Provincial Guidance Officer Mr. Patrick Yapi attended the ceremony, commending the new management for its swift efforts to prioritize student learning, graduation, and infrastructure development. They pledged continued support for the school and endorsed the decision to handle the disputed bills through the legal system.
Meanwhile, the 54 graduates completed training in seven trade courses, including motor mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, welding and metal fabrication, and business studies.
