Representatives from over 20 primary and secondary schools on Upolu and Savai’i were recently hosted by the Ministry of Education to get an update on a $2.5 million education project.

The Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in Education in Samoa: Developing Resilient Education System through Online and Multimedia as the Countermeasure against COVID-19 Pandemic Project is supported with funding from the Government of Japan to the tune of USD$954,545 (WST$2.5 million) with technical assistance courtesy of the UNESCO over the project’s 24 months duration.

Besides the schools’ representatives as well as teaching staff and school principals, there were also representatives from the Government of Japan, UNESCO and the disability advocacy organisation Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA) at the project update event last Wednesday.

According to a press release issued jointly by UNESCO and the Embassy of Japan, the attendees received updates on the project’s progress, demonstrations of how ICT devices and equipment could be used to support learning and teaching, and guidance regarding project activities set to occur in the coming months.

The Ministry of Education Sports and Culture’s ACEO of the ICT and Media Division, Nehru Mauala, said the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light critical needs that currently exist in Samoa’s schools.

“The pandemic has made clear there are critical needs within Samoa’s schools,” said Mr. Mauala.

“Teachers need training in the use of technology to deliver learning; students need access to devices while those with disabilities also need specialised devices, and schools need connectivity. 

“Today [last Wednesday] we have come together to understand how the ICT in Education project will address these needs.”

Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, Keisuke Senta, said Japan is a long-term supporter of education in Samoa and is committed to international cooperation through UNESCO.

“Japan, as a long-standing supporter of education in Samoa, is committed to international cooperation through UNESCO activities with a view to addressing challenges and supporting current development for a resilient education system of Samoa through the introduction of ICT,” said Ms. Mauala. 

The Director of the UNESCO Office and Representative to the Pacific States, Nisha, talked about the benefits of using inclusive technologies and its wider impact including on persons with disabilities and its link to the project.

“Traditional values of education would be enhanced if inclusive technologies are integrated into the public education system and processes and made affordable and accessible to persons with disabilities,” she said.