The Ministry of Education is working with the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) and the Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) to facilitate the inclusion of the Diploma in Education programme in the 2025 academic calendar. 

This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.), A'eau Christopher Hazelman. 

In response to queries from the media last Friday, A'eau confirmed that they have been given the green light from the P.S.C. for the diploma programme to be offered at N.U.S. for aspiring teachers. 

This is a plan proposed by the ministry to address the national crisis of teacher shortage in Samoa. 

However, A'eau confirmed that the programme will not be available as an option for aspiring teachers this year. 

He explained that there are procedures and protocols that the local institution need to comply with before they can offer the Diploma in Education programme. 

"It will take some time," A'eau said. 

"But our plan is that by 2025, the programme would be ready and be included in the N.U.S.' academic calendar. 

"It's not some overnight changes and we understand that we need to follow N.U.S.' policies and how it can be implemented. 

"We also need to allow for the processes and procedures to take place before it can start."

A'eau is optimistic that the proposal will address the shortage of teachers in the country. 

"We are optimistic that a greater number of students will choose to enroll in the Diploma in Education program due to the reduced duration required to obtain the diploma, as opposed to pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Education.

"Of course they will still have the opportunity to further their studies after getting work experience upon receiving their diplomas in education. 

"We really need people in the classrooms to teach and we are looking at all the alternative ways we can address that. 

"Offering the diploma programme is just one of those ways to try and address the shortage of teachers."

The Minister of Education and Culture, Seuula Ioane revealed the plans in Parliament last week during the supplementary budget debate. 

There is a need for at least 300 teachers just to fill in the current gaps. There are schools where three teachers are charged with educating Years One to Eight. 

There has also been an issue with the intake as numbers of those taking up teaching have also dropped despite it being a fully funded course.