Sanma TVET Centre client Simon Popaul
Ten years ago, when Simon Popaul first joined the Sanma Frangipani Association (SFA), a disability support organisation, he never dreamed that one day he would be running his own business, let alone several. Simon suffers from cerebral palsy which is a form of physical disability and in his case it affects the use of his legs, making it very difficult for him to stand or walk. Despite this, Simon stands proud with the knowledge his disability is no longer a barrier for achieving financial independence.
Through a strong relationship between the SFA and the Australian Government funded TVET Program, Simon was able to access nationally accredited training in Fabric Printing, Poultry Farming and Retail Management. With the skills he has gained through the Sanma TVET Centre coordinated trainings Simon runs his own his own fabric printing and poultry business as well as a small general store in his home village in Turtle Bay, Santo.
The TVET Centres in Sanma and Malampa coordinate the delivery of skills training in key economic development sectors and works closely with disability associations such as SFA to ensure their members have access to training courses to maximise their income generation potential.
Founder and Director of SFA, Doriane Naliupis, set up the association with a vision to empower people with disabilities “to live, learn, to have meaningful roles in the community and to be self reliant”.
“I really want to thank the TVET Program for helping to encourage people with disabilities into business. Before starting his businesses Simon was very shy but now he is confident and graduating from the trainings has inspired him to achieve even more,” she said.
As well as running three businesses Simon wants to go back and finish high school next year.
“I stopped high school in year nine because the fees were too high but now that I can afford it, I want to go back and finish,” said Simon.
As well as running three businesses Simon wants to go back and finish high school next year.
“I stopped high school in year nine because the fees were too high but now that I can afford it, I want to go back and finish,” said Simon.
Disability is no barrier for success with the TVET Centre