New strategic framework for education in the region
PRESS STATEMENT 09/09
25th March 2009
FORUM EDUCATION MINISTERS TO DECIDE ON NEW STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR EDUCATION IN THE REGION
The Pacific Islands Forum Education Ministers Meeting (FEdMM) which began in Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga today is a significant one as it will consider a new strategic direction for regional education as recommended by a review of the Forum Basic Education Action Plan (FBEAP).
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade said the review conducted by an independent team of consultants, which visited 14 countries, identified many challenges faced in the region in the delivery of education.
“It found that despite the substantial differences in social, historical, demographic and economic contexts, the 14 countries under review are experiencing many of the same challenges. The review has identified many similar priorities for further development of their education sectors,” says Mr Slade.
In the main, the review concluded countries are doing fairly well in the area of access to primary schooling and it is pleasing to see that some countries are commencing fee-free primary education.
But Mr Slade said the review concluded that “many countries have access issues at the secondary level and most are not doing particularly well in the provision of early childhood education. The majority of children with disabilities in our region receive very little if any schooling. Children in remote and isolated areas are also disadvantaged.”
The Forum Education Ministers will consider the recommendations of the FBEAP review and a new strategic direction for regional education in the form of a revised framework.
“This new framework, entitled the ‘Pacific Education Development Framework’ articulates these challenges and priorities and provides a platform for partners to coordinate and assist countries,” says Mr Slade.
“It also includes areas that were not so prominent in 2001 when FBEAP was first developed. This includes the development challenge that the region faces with HIV and AIDS, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).”
On the theme of the meeting, “Partnerships in Pacific Education” the Forum Secretary General commended the key role of the development partners and the donor community for its role in assisting countries through regional and multilateral mechanisms in the education sector.
Forum Education Ministers endorsed the Forum Basic Education Action Plan in 2001 and it has been implemented through the PRIDE project
(Ends)
For more information, contact Dr Helen Tavola on phone 676 8885844 (Tongan contact) or email: helent@forumsec.org.fj
25th March 2009
FORUM EDUCATION MINISTERS TO DECIDE ON NEW STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR EDUCATION IN THE REGION
The Pacific Islands Forum Education Ministers Meeting (FEdMM) which began in Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga today is a significant one as it will consider a new strategic direction for regional education as recommended by a review of the Forum Basic Education Action Plan (FBEAP).
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade said the review conducted by an independent team of consultants, which visited 14 countries, identified many challenges faced in the region in the delivery of education.
“It found that despite the substantial differences in social, historical, demographic and economic contexts, the 14 countries under review are experiencing many of the same challenges. The review has identified many similar priorities for further development of their education sectors,” says Mr Slade.
In the main, the review concluded countries are doing fairly well in the area of access to primary schooling and it is pleasing to see that some countries are commencing fee-free primary education.
But Mr Slade said the review concluded that “many countries have access issues at the secondary level and most are not doing particularly well in the provision of early childhood education. The majority of children with disabilities in our region receive very little if any schooling. Children in remote and isolated areas are also disadvantaged.”
The Forum Education Ministers will consider the recommendations of the FBEAP review and a new strategic direction for regional education in the form of a revised framework.
“This new framework, entitled the ‘Pacific Education Development Framework’ articulates these challenges and priorities and provides a platform for partners to coordinate and assist countries,” says Mr Slade.
“It also includes areas that were not so prominent in 2001 when FBEAP was first developed. This includes the development challenge that the region faces with HIV and AIDS, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).”
On the theme of the meeting, “Partnerships in Pacific Education” the Forum Secretary General commended the key role of the development partners and the donor community for its role in assisting countries through regional and multilateral mechanisms in the education sector.
Forum Education Ministers endorsed the Forum Basic Education Action Plan in 2001 and it has been implemented through the PRIDE project
(Ends)
For more information, contact Dr Helen Tavola on phone 676 8885844 (Tongan contact) or email: helent@forumsec.org.fj
