Samoa needs a well-educated workforce to contribute effectively to the growth of our nation, says the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture.

Speaking at the launching of the Education Sector Plan 2019-2024 at the Taumeasina Island Resort last Thursday, Minister Loau Keneti Sio said times are changing and education is the key to economic prosperity for Samoa.

“Times are changing and Samoa needs a well-educated workforce to contribute effectively to the growth of our nation. Education is the key to economic prosperity and enabling a well-educated nation for Samoa, now and beyond,” he said.

“I am certain that this Sector Plan will enable our learners to adapt to the use of technology and to meet the global demands of education. Through this Sector Plan, we will obtain quality education and build employment skills set, that will benefit our learners with employment opportunities.”

He said the new plan will be reviewed three times – annually, mid-term and end of term – to ensure it stays on schedule, responds to what Samoa needs, and changes course when necessary.

“Its monitoring and evaluation framework provides learners, parents, communities, teachers and managers with clear performance indicators, targets and time frames.”

Loau said the success of the plan will depend on the ongoing commitment of Samoa’s three implementing agencies working with the ECE centres, schools and PSET providers.

“There are numerous stakeholders who contribute their time to school committees, advisory groups and governance roles. Thank you for your dedication – if we continue to work together, we can achieve our targets,” he added.

The Minister used the opportunity to single out the contribution of Samoa’s development partners, saying their support and partnership over the years played a significant role in growing the education sector. 

“To our Development Partners, on behalf of the Government of Samoa, I thank you sincerely and acknowledge your continuous support and genuine willingness over the years to work in partnership to develop education in Samoa,” he said. 

“I would particularly like to acknowledge the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for the provision of budget support to assist the implementation of the Education Sector Plan. I hope that we will continue our journey side by side. I have no doubt that the Education Sector Plan will aspire to achieve, over the next five years and beyond.”

The launching of the Government’s education roadmap, according to the Minister, signified the Government’s commitment to support the sector’s strategic goals over the next five years to ensure all citizens were educated and productively engaged.

“The Government of Samoa is committed to improving the quality and relevance of education for its citizens including better access to learning for all, through the work of its three Implementing Agencies – MESC (Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture), SQA (Samoa Qualifications Authority) and NUS (National University of Samoa).”

The Minister said the Education Sector Plan aligns with national, regional and global plans, and reflects the views of the Samoan education sector’s stakeholders. 

“It builds on the achievements of the first plan, while addressing its shortcomings and applying lessons learned from it. The five goals and expected outcomes are clearly defined and are guided by three main themes: quality, access and relevance.”