Non-formal basic administration and management training programmes for people with disabilities will benefit the country, as the programme is being rolled out in Savai'i and Upolu.

The training is being facilitated by the Oloamanu Centre at the National University of Samoa (NUS) in partnership with the Samoa Qualification Authority (SQA), United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Nuanua o le Alofa (NOLA).

The training hopes to equip the participants with the necessary basic skills required for employment in Samoa. It is also designed to ensure persons with disabilities are equipped enough for future job employment in Samoa and elsewhere.

The training rollout started in Savaii last week, followed by the training for Upolu in September with certificates presentations will be held at the end of the training programs.

Professor Aiono Alec Ekeroma, the Vice Chancellor of NUS said the project aimed to address the educational needs of those in the disability sector in improving employment prospects for them. 

Pointing to the Global Education Monitoring Reports, he noted:  “People with disabilities are five times more likely than children without disabilities to have never attended school, and only a small percentage of them complete secondary school. Only 15% of people with disabilities were employed, with many not being compensated for their efforts.”

The NUS Oloamanu Manager, Tuiolo Maria Schuster, said the project outcome included the design and recognition of non-formal training programmes by the SQA while the delivery and reporting are provided by NUS through the Oloamanu Centre.

The project contributes to the human rights model under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the Joint Project on Social Protection, working together with UNESCO and other UN agencies in Samoa for a more inclusive sustainable system that will enhance and include that participation of persons with disabilities.